Easy open and reclosable package with die-cut web and reclosure mechanism

专利摘要:
An easy-open and reclosable package includes a pouch (7) including a reclosure mechanism including a first and second interlocking strip (10, 13) each having an interlocking segment having a base surface and an interlocking surface; a die cut (21) in a first panel, the die cut defining a die cut segment so arranged that when the die cut segment is displaced, and the package is opened, a product can be accessed between the first and second interlocking strips, the first and second interlocking surfaces are at least partially exposed, and the package can thereafter be reclosed by folding the package such that the interlocking surface of the first interlocking strip (10) is interlocked with the interlocking surface of the second interlocking strip (13). The first and second strips are not exposed until the package is initially opened, and are not interlocked with one another until the package is initially opened and then reclosed.
公开号:AU2013221736A1
申请号:U2013221736
申请日:2013-02-12
公开日:2014-09-04
发明作者:Billy W. Austin；Howard Dean Conner；Hubert J. Cook；Andrew W. Moehlenbrock；Joseph E. Owensby
申请人:Cryovac LLC；
IPC主号:B65D33-25

专利说明:
WO 2013/122940 PCT/US2013/025751 1 Easy Open and Reclosable Package with Die-cut Web and Reclosure Mechanism Field Of The Invention This invention relates to an easy-open and reclosable package with a die-cut web 5 and a reclosure mechanism, and to methods of making the package. Background Of The Invention Food and non-food products, including produce, snack foods, cheese and the like have long been packaged in containers such as pouches, bags, or lidded trays or formed 10 webs made from various thermoplastic materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyester (PET). These containers can be formed from a web or webs of thermoplastic material on packaging equipment, using various packaging processes, at a processing/ packaging facility. Such equipment and processes includes horizontal form/fill/seal (HFFS), vertical form/fill/seal (VFFS), thermoforming/lidstock, and continuous horizontal 15 packaging (sometimes referred to as Flow-wrap). In each case, the product is manually or automatically placed in a pouch, bag, formed web, tray, etc., the filled container is option ally vacuumized or gas flushed, and the mouth of the container is hermetically or non hermetically sealed to close and finish the package. Opening of the finished package (i.e. opening with the use of tools such as scis 20 sors or knives) can provide access to the product by the consumer. Common in the industry is the use of pressure sensitive adhesive to provide a re closability feature to a package. However, based on the position of the adhesive relative to the package, the adhesive can sometimes be contaminated by the contained product before the package is opened, or once the package is opened, when product is removed 25 from the package and comes in contact with the adhesive. This phenomenon can com promise the reclosability of the package. Also, the performance of the adhesive can sometimes be compromised at refrigerated conditions, or in the presence of grease or moisture caused by the packaging of greasy or wet foods. Also common in the industry is the use of plastic zipper closures; press-to-close or 30 slide zippers, interlocking closures; reclosable fasteners with interlockable fastener ele ments; and interlocking rib and groove elements having male and female profiles; inter locking alternating hook-shaped closure members, and hook and loop fasteners; fasten ers employing self-engageable male fastener elements; fasteners utilizing interference fit, and the like. These features provide reclosability, and in some cases may provide an 35 easy-open feature to the package.
WO 2013/122940 PCT/US2013/025751 2 There is need in the marketplace for a package, and methods of packaging involv ing e.g. an HFFS, VFFS, thermoforming/lidstock, or continuous horizontal packaging process, that can be used in a manner that requires little or no modification to the pack ager's packaging equipment, while providing a manually (i.e. by hand, without the need 5 for tools such as scissors or knives) openable and easy to reclose feature, optionally while maintaining hermeticity of the package when made, and optionally without the use of pressure sensitive adhesive and the like. The present invention relates to a package, and methods of making the package, which package is manually openable and reclosable, i.e. can be opened and reclosed a 10 number of times, and adapted to package non-food products; food products such as e.g. produce, snack foods, cheese, luncheon meat, sausage, culinary nuts, trail mix, etc; medical or pharmaceutical products; or other items that benefit from being packaged in an easy-open/reclosable package. The package optionally maintains a hermetic seal until the package is opened. 15 Summary Of The Invention Statement of Invention/Embodiments of the Invention In a first aspect, an easy-open and reclosable package enclosing a product comprises: 20 a) a pouch comprising i) a first and second side panel each comprising an outer and inner surface, a first and second side edge, and a first and second end, the first and second side panels joined together along their respective first and second side edges; ii) a first end defined by the first end of at least one of the first and second 25 side panels, the first end of the first side panel joined to the second side panel; iii) a second end defined by the second end of the first and second side panels respectively, the first and second side panels joined together along their respective second ends; iv) a reclosure mechanism, disposed between the first and second side 30 panels, comprising (a) a first interlocking strip comprising a first and second side edge, a first and second end, and an interlocking segment having a base surface and an interlocking surface, the first interlocking strip anchored to the inner surface of the first side panel such that the interlocking surface faces the 35 inner surface of the first side panel, and WO 2013/122940 PCT/US2013/025751 3 (b) a second interlocking strip comprising a first and second side edge, a first and second end, and an interlocking segment having a base surface and an interlocking surface, the second interlocking strip anchored to the inner surface of at least one of the first and second side panels such that 5 the interlocking surface faces the inner surface of the first side panel; and v) a die cut disposed in the first side panel, the die cut defining a die cut segment, the die cut segment so arranged with respect to the reclosure mechanism that when the die cut segment is displaced, and the package is opened, 10 (a) the product can be accessed between the first and second interlocking strips, (b) the interlocking surface of each of the first and second interlocking strips is at least partially exposed, and (c) the package can thereafter be reclosed by folding the package 15 such that the interlocking surface of the first interlocking strip is interlocked with the interlocking surface of the second interlocking strip; and b) a product disposed in the pouch; wherein the package is configured such that (i) the interlocking surfaces of the first and second interlocking strips are not exposed until 20 the package is initially opened, (ii) the interlocking surfaces of the first and second interlocking strips are not interlocked with one another until the package is initially opened and then reclosed, and (iii) the interlocking surface of the first interlocking strip is farther from the first end of the package than the interlocking surface of the second interlocking strip. 25 In a second aspect, a method of making an easy-open and reclosable package in a horizontal form/fill/seal process comprises: a) providing a lay-flat web, the lay-flat web having a first and second longitudinal edge, and a die cut; b) providing a reclosure mechanism comprising a first and second interlocking strip 30 each comprising a first and second side edge, a first and second end, and an interlocking segment having a base surface and an interlocking surface; c) advancing the lay-flat web to a forming device to convert the lay-flat web to a folded web having an interior surface; d) advancing the reclosure mechanism such that when the package is made, the 35 reclosure mechanism is disposed between a first and second side panel of the package; e) making side seals in the folded web to produce an open pouch comprising WO 2013/122940 PCT/US2013/025751 4 i) the first and second side panels each comprising an outer and inner surface, a first and second side edge, and a first and second end, the first and second side panels joined together along their respective first and second side edges by a seal, 5 ii) a first end defined by the first end of at least one of the first and second side panels, iii) a second end defined by the second end of the first and second side panels respectively, the first and second side panels joined together along their respective second ends, and 10 iv) the first interlocking strip anchored to the inner surface of the first side panel such that the interlocking surface of the first interlocking strip faces the inner surface of the first side panel, and the second interlocking strip anchored to the inner surface of at least one of the first and second side panels such that the interlocking surface of the second interlocking strip faces the inner surface of the 15 first side panel; f) putting a product in the open pouch; and g) sealing the first end of the first side panel to the second side panel to close the pouch; wherein the package is configured such that 20 (i) the die cut is disposed in the first side panel, the die cut defining a die cut segment, the die cut segment so arranged with respect to the reclosure mechanism that when the die cut segment is displaced, and the package is opened, (a) the product can be accessed between the first and second interlocking strips, 25 (b) the interlocking surface of each of the first and second interlocking strips is at least partially exposed, and (c) the package can thereafter be reclosed by folding the package such that the interlocking surface of the first interlocking strip is interlocked with the interlocking surface of the second interlocking strip; 30 (ii) the interlocking surfaces of the first and second interlocking strips are not exposed until the package is initially opened; (iii) the interlocking surfaces of the first and second interlocking strips are not interlocked with one another until the package is initially opened and then reclosed; (iv) the interlocking surface of the first interlocking strip is farther from the first end of 35 the package than the interlocking surface of the second interlocking strip; WO 2013/122940 PCT/US2013/025751 5 (v) each of the first and second interlocking strips is either pre-anchored to the lay-flat web, or is anchored to the lay-flat web, folded web, or first or second side panel at any time before or during the step of making side seals in the folded web; and (vi) the web is cut at the side seals during the step of making side seals in the folded 5 web, or before, during or after any subsequent steps. In a third aspect, a method of making an easy-open and reclosable package in a vertical form/fill/seal process comprises: a) providing a lay-flat web, the lay-flat web comprising a first and second surface, 10 and a die cut; b) providing a reclosure mechanism comprising a first and second interlocking strip each comprising a first and second side edge, a first and second end, and an interlocking segment having a base surface and an interlocking surface; c) advancing the lay-flat web over a forming device to convert the lay-flat web to a 15 folded web having an interior surface; d) advancing the reclosure mechanism such that when the package is made, the reclosure mechanism is disposed between a first and second side panel of the package; e) longitudinally sealing the folded web to make a longitudinal seal; f) transversely sealing the folded web to produce a first transverse seal to define a 20 first pouch, wherein the first transverse seal is a bottom transverse seal of the first pouch; g) putting a product in the first pouch; h) advancing the folded web, with the first pouch, downward a predetermined distance; i) transversely sealing the first pouch to produce a top transverse seal in the first pouch, and a bottom transverse seal in a second pouch, the second pouch disposed 25 above the first pouch; and j) transversely cutting the folded web to separate the first pouch from the second pouch to make a package, the package comprising the first and second side panels each comprising an outer and inner surface, a first and second side edge, and a first and second end, the first and second side 30 panels joined together along their respective first and second side edges, a first end defined by the first ends of the first and second side panels, a second end defined by the second end of the first and second side panels respectively, and the first interlocking strip anchored to the inner surface of the first side panel such 35 that the interlocking surface of the first interlocking strip faces the inner surface of the first side panel, and the second interlocking strip anchored to the inner surface WO 2013/122940 PCT/US2013/025751 6 of at least one of the first and second side panels such that the interlocking surface of the second interlocking strip faces the inner surface of the first side panel; wherein the package is configured such that 5 (i) the die cut is disposed in the first side panel, the die cut defining a die cut segment, the die cut segment so arranged with respect to the reclosure mechanism that when the die cut segment is displaced, and the package is opened, (a) the product can be accessed between the first and second interlocking strips, 10 (b) the interlocking surface of each of the first and second interlocking strips is at least partially exposed, and (c) the package can thereafter be reclosed by folding the package such that the interlocking surface of the first interlocking strip is interlocked with the interlocking surface of the second interlocking strip; 15 (ii) the interlocking surfaces of the first and second interlocking strips are not exposed until the package is initially opened; (iii) the interlocking surfaces of the first and second interlocking strips are not interlocked with one another until the package is initially opened and then reclosed; (iv) the interlocking surface of the first interlocking strip is farther from the first end of 20 the package than the interlocking surface of the second interlocking strip; and (v) each of the first and second interlocking strips is either pre-anchored to the lay-flat web, or is anchored to the lay-flat web, folded web, or first or second side panel at any time before or during the step of making the longitudinal seal in the folded web. In a fourth aspect, a method of making an easy-open and reclosable package 25 having a formed web comprises: a) providing a formed web comprising a product cavity, the formed web having an inner surface; b) providing a product; c) providing a lidstock, having an inner surface, comprising 30 a lay-flat web, and a die cut disposed in the lidstock, the die cut defining a die cut segment; d) providing a reclosure mechanism comprising a first and second interlocking strip each comprising a first and second side edge, a first and second end, and an interlocking segment having a base surface and an interlocking surface; 35 e) placing the product in the product cavity; WO 2013/122940 PCT/US2013/025751 7 f) sealing the lidstock to the formed web, such that the reclosure mechanism is disposed between the lidstock and the formed web, the first interlocking strip anchored to the inner surface of the lidstock such that the interlocking surface of the first interlocking strip faces the inner surface of the lidstock, and the second interlocking strip is anchored 5 to the inner surface of at least one of the formed web and the lidstock such that the interlocking surface of the second interlocking strip faces the inner surface of the lidstock; and g) cutting the lidstock and formed web to make the package having a first and second end; 10 wherein the package is configured such that (i) the die cut segment is so arranged with respect to the reclosure mechanism that when the die cut segment is displaced, and the package is opened, (a) the product can be accessed between the first and second interlocking strips, 15 (b) the interlocking surface of each of the first and second interlocking strips is at least partially exposed, and (c) the package can thereafter be reclosed by folding the package such that the interlocking surface of the first interlocking strip is interlocked with the interlocking surface of the second interlocking strip; 20 (ii) the interlocking surfaces of the first and second interlocking strips are not exposed until the package is initially opened; (iii) the interlocking surfaces of the first and second interlocking strips are not interlocked with one another until the package is initially opened and then reclosed; (iv) the interlocking surface of the first interlocking strip is farther from the first end of 25 the package than the interlocking surface of the second interlocking strip; and (v) each of the first and second interlocking strips is either pre-anchored to the formed web or lidstock, or is anchored to the formed web or lidstock at any time during the method of making the package. In a fifth aspect, a method of making an easy-open and reclosable package in a 30 continuous horizontal packaging process comprises: a) providing a lay-flat web, the lay-flat web comprising a first and second surface, and a die cut; b) providing a reclosure mechanism comprising a first and second interlocking strip each comprising a first and second side edge, a first and second end, and an interlocking 35 segment having a base surface and an interlocking surface; WO 2013/122940 PCT/US2013/025751 8 c) advancing the lay-flat web to a forming device to convert the lay-flat web into a folded web having an interior surface; d) advancing the reclosure mechanism such that when the package is made, the reclosure mechanism is disposed between a first and second side panel of the package; 5 e) advancing a product to the forming device such that the folded web envelopes the product; f) longitudinally sealing the folded web to make a longitudinal seal; g) transversely sealing the folded web, with the product therein, to produce a leading transverse seal to define a first pouch; 10 h) advancing the folded web, with the leading transverse seal, forward a predetermined distance; i) transversely sealing the folded web to produce a trailing transverse seal in the first pouch, and a leading transverse seal in a second pouch, the second pouch disposed upstream of the first pouch; and 15 j) cutting the folded web to separate the first pouch from the second pouch to form an individual package comprising the first and second side panel, the package comprising the first and second side panels each comprising an outer and inner surface, a first and second side edge, and a first and second end, the first and second side panels joined together along their respective first and second side edges, 20 a first end defined by the first ends of the first and second side panels, a second end defined by the second end of the first and second side panels respectively, and the first interlocking strip anchored to the inner surface of the first side panel such that the interlocking surface of the first interlocking strip faces the inner surface of 25 the first side panel, and the second interlocking strip anchored to the inner surface of at least one of the first and second side panels such that the interlocking surface of the second interlocking strip faces the inner surface of the first side panel; wherein the package is configured such that 30 (i) the die cut is disposed in the first side panel, the die cut defining a die cut segment, the die cut segment is so arranged with respect to the reclosure mechanism that when the die cut segment is displaced, and the package is opened, (a) the product can be accessed between the first and second interlocking strips, 35 (b) the interlocking surface of each of the first and second interlocking strips is at least partially exposed, and WO 2013/122940 PCT/US2013/025751 9 (c) the package can thereafter be reclosed by folding the package such that the interlocking surface of the first interlocking strip is interlocked with the interlocking surface of the second interlocking strip; (ii) the interlocking surfaces of the first and second interlocking strips are not exposed 5 until the package is initially opened; (iii) the interlocking surfaces of the first and second interlocking strips are not interlocked with one another until the package is initially opened and then reclosed; (iv) the interlocking surface of the first interlocking strip is farther from the first end of the package than the interlocking surface of the second interlocking strip; and 10 (v) each of the first and second interlocking strips is either pre-anchored to the lay-flat web, or is anchored to the lay-flat web, folded web, or first or second side panel at any time before or during the step of making the longitudinal seal in the folded web. In a sixth aspect, a pouch comprises: a) a first and second side panel each comprising an outer and inner surface, a first 15 and second side edge, and a first and second end, the first and second side panels joined together along their respective first and second side edges; b) a first end defined by the first end of at least one of the first and second side panels; c) a second end defined by the second end of the first and second side panels 20 respectively, the first and second side panels joined together along their respective second ends; d) a reclosure mechanism, disposed between the first and second side panels, comprising i) a first interlocking strip comprising a first and second side edge, a first and 25 second end, and an interlocking segment having a base surface and an interlocking surface, the first interlocking strip anchored to the inner surface of the first side panel such that the interlocking surface faces the inner surface of the first side panel, and ii) a second interlocking strip comprising a first and second side edge, a first 30 and second end, and an interlocking segment having a base surface and an interlocking surface, the second interlocking strip anchored to the inner surface of at least one of the first and second side panels such that the interlocking surface faces the inner surface of the first side panel; and e) a die cut disposed in the first side panel, the die cut defining a die cut segment 35 that shadows at least a portion of the interlocking surface of each of the first and second interlocking strips ; WO 2013/122940 PCT/US2013/025751 10 wherein the pouch is configured such that (i) the interlocking surfaces of the first and second interlocking strips are not interlocked with one another, and (ii) the interlocking surface of the first interlocking strip is farther from the first end of 5 the pouch than the interlocking surface of the second interlocking strip. In a seventh aspect, a method of making a bag with a die cut and a reclosure mechanism disposed thereon comprises: a) extruding a thermoplastic tube to make a bag tubing; b) providing a reclosure mechanism comprising a first and second interlocking strip 10 each comprising a first and second side edge, a first and second end, and an interlocking segment having a base surface and an interlocking surface; c) slitting the tubing at a longitudinal edge thereof to make a slit bag tubing; d) placing the reclosure mechanism inside the slit bag tubing; and e) transversely cutting and sealing the slit bag tubing at predetermined intervals to 15 make a plurality of individual bags, each bag having a die cut disposed thereon, each bag comprising a first and second side panel each comprising a first and second end, an outer and inner surface, and first and second side edges, the first and second side panels joined together along at least a portion of their respective first and second 20 side edges by a seal, a first end defined by the first end of at least one of the first and second side panels, an end fold defined by the second ends of the first and second side panels respectively, and 25 the reclosure mechanism disposed between the first and second side panels, the first interlocking strip anchored to the inner surface of the first side panel such that the interlocking surface of the first interlocking strip faces the inner surface of the first side panel, and the second interlocking strip anchored to the inner surface of at least one of the first and second side panels such that the interlocking surface 30 of the second interlocking strip faces the inner surface of the first side panel; wherein the die cut is disposed in the first side panel, the die cut defining a die cut segment that shadows at least a portion of the interlocking surface of each of the first and second interlocking strips; wherein the bag is configured such that 35 (i) the interlocking surfaces of the first and second interlocking strips are not interlocked with one another, WO 2013/122940 PCT/US2013/025751 11 (ii) the interlocking surface of the first interlocking strip is farther from the first end of the bag than the interlocking surface of the second interlocking strip, (iii) at any time before or during the step of transversely cutting the bag tubing to produce a bag, the bag tubing or slit bag tubing is die cut at predetermined intervals to 5 make a plurality of die cuts in the bag tubing or slit bag tubing respectively; and (iv) at any time during the method of making the bag, the first and second interlocking strips are anchored to the bag tubing, the slit bag tubing, or the inner surface of the first or second side panel. 10 Brief Description Of The Drawinqs The present invention is illustrated by reference to the following drawing figures, encompassing different views of various embodiments of the invention, wherein: FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a package; FIG. 2 is an elevational view of a portion of a package; 15 FIG. 2A is an elevational view of a portion of a package; FIG. 3 is a front view of the package of Fig. 1, viewed along lines 3-3 of Fig. 1; FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an interlocking strip; FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a HFFS process and apparatus for making a pack age; 20 FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a HFFS process and apparatus for making a pack age according to another embodiment; FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a section of folded web; FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a section of gusseted folded web; FIG. 9 is an elevational view of a VFFS process and apparatus for making a pack 25 age; FIG. 10 an elevational view of a VFFS process and apparatus for making a pack age according to another embodiment; FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a roll of lay-flat film and a first and second inter locking strip; 30 FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a roll of lay-flat film and a first and second inter locking strip according to another embodiment; FIG. 13 is a perspective of a roll of lay-flat film and a first and second interlocking strip according to yet another embodiment; FIG. 14 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the package; 35 FIG. 15 is an elevational view of two consecutive pouches in a VFFS embodiment; FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a folded web for use in the invention; WO 2013/122940 PCT/US2013/025751 12 FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a folded web for use in the invention; FIG. 18 is a side view of a tray for use in connection with the invention. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a package; FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the package of Fig. 19 in an opened condition; 5 FIG. 21 is an elevational view of a continuous horizontal packaging process and apparatus for making a package; FIG. 22 is a front end view of the apparatus of Fig. 21, viewed along lines 22-22 of Fig. 21; FIGS. 23A, 23B, and 23C are each cross-sectional views of a portion of the pack 10 age, showing a sequence for opening the package; FIGS. 24 and 25 are each a plan view of alternative embodiments; FIG. 26 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of the invention; and FIG. 27 is a cross sectional view of FIG. 26, viewed along lines 27-27 of Fig. 26. Definitions 15 "Anchored", "anchoring" and the like herein refers to sealing or adhering two sur faces together, and refers to the resulting bond between surfaces. Sealing is done by means of a sealant. Adhering is done by means of PSA or permanent adhesive. In proc esses described herein where a strip is anchored to a web or side panel, either during a process wherein the web and strip are advanced, or when a strip has been pre-anchored 20 to the web before the start of the process, anchoring can be done by use of any suitable continuous or discontinuous sealing or adhesive material and method. Such anchoring is done to hold the strip to the web during the relevant packaging process. In some embodiments, wherein the anchor is already relatively strong or continu ous, e.g. a heat seal that constitutes either a relatively strong heat seal, or an easy-open 25 seal as defined herein, the anchor functions not only to hold a strip to a web during a packaging process, but also as a final seal of that surface of the strip to the web (lay-flat or folded) or panel made from the web. Any subsequent step in the process of sealing one of the surfaces (i.e. the anchored surface) of the strip to a web or panel, is in these embodiments already completed by the anchoring step, and contact of a seal device, e.g. 30 a seal bar in the region of the anchor, in a subsequent step, may add no further or sepa rate seal to that surface of the strip. In some embodiments where the bond is a relatively weak or discontinuous one, e.g. a discontinuous seal, spots or narrow stripes of adhesive, etc., in a subsequent step of sealing one of the surfaces of the strip to the web or panel, a seal bar that seals one of 35 the surfaces of the strip to the web or panel can contact the web or panel in the region WO 2013/122940 PCT/US2013/025751 13 where the anchor is already disposed. The seal in that region may be either enhanced, or initially created, by the subsequent sealing step. Anchoring a strip to a surface, as described herein, should be understood as an choring all, or at least a portion of, the strip to all, or at least a portion of, the surface. 5 "Closed-loop" herein refers to a die cut that defines a closed pattern or path in the first side panel whereby the web material within the path (the die-cut segment) can be displaced. "Die cut" and the like herein refers to methods of cutting or scoring materials, in cluding rotary die, steel rule die, platen die cutting, and laser cutting or scoring; and to the 10 resulting cut or score. A die cut can extend entirely or partially through the relevant layer or web, and can in some embodiments leave intact a certain amount of material. "Score" and the like herein refers to a partial die cut that extends partly but not entirely through the thickness of a material, layer, web, panel, etc, The purpose of the score in the present invention is to provide for controlled tear or separation of material in the act of displacing 15 the die cut segment. The depth of the cut can vary from package to package, and within a single die cut or die cut segment on a given package. "Die-cut segment" herein refers to a portion of the first side panel that can be dis placed because of the presence of a closed-loop or open-loop die cut. The die-cut seg ment is a piece of the first side panel, and when displaced can in some embodiments 20 function as a tamper evidence device, and facilitates access to the interior of the pack age. "Displaced" and the like herein refers e.g. to a die cut segment that has been at least partially moved from its original position, and in some embodiments entirely re moved from the package, sufficient to open the package and provide access to its con 25 tents. "Easy-open" herein refers to a package that can be manually opened relatively easily. "Easy-open seal" herein refers to a seal involving two surfaces, in which materials and sealing conditions are chosen such that the package is easy-open with a physical 30 mode of opening that includes any one or more of adhesive failure, delamination failure, or cohesive failure as described herein. "Easy-open sealant" herein refers to a material chosen for one or both surfaces of an interlocking strip and web, such that when such surfaces are sealed to each other, the resulting package is easy-open with a physical mode of opening that includes any one or 35 more of adhesive failure, delamination failure, or cohesive failure as described herein.
WO 2013/122940 PCT/US2013/025751 14 "Ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer" (EAO) herein refers to copolymers of ethylene with one or more comonomers selected from C3 to C10 alpha-olefins such as propene, butene-1, hexene-1, octene-1, etc. "Ethylene homopolymer or copolymer" herein refers to polyethylene (PE) such as 5 ethylene homopolymer such as low density polyethylene (LDPE), medium density poly ethylene (MDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE); ethylene/alpha olefin copolymer such as those defined herein; ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA); ethylene/alkyl acrylate copolymer such as ethylene/methyl acrylate copolymer (EMA) or ethylene/ethyl acrylate copolymer (EEA), or ethylene/butyl acrylate copolymer (EBA); ethyl 10 ene/(meth)acrylic acid copolymer; or ionomer resin (10). "Exposed" herein means exposed to the exterior environment outside the pack age. "Fig." herein refers to drawing figure; "Figs." to drawing figures. "Film" is used herein to mean a thermoplastic film, laminate, or web, either multi 15 layer or monolayer, that may be used in connection with the present invention. Film can be of any suitable thickness, e.g. between 0.1 and 30 mils. "Fin seal" is used herein to mean, in the case of a single web, folding one edge of a web towards the opposite edge of the web, and sealing the facing inner surfaces to gether. In the case of two webs, a fin seal is a seal formed by sealing the inner surface of 20 the edge of one web to the inner surface of a corresponding edge of another web. "Interlocking strip" and the like is used herein to refer to a strip of material having an interlocking surface that can be mechanically engaged with (interlocked with) another interlocking strip, of the same or different construction, to provide a package that can be opened and reclosed a number of times. Examples of an interlocking strip include, with 25 out limitation, 1) zippers such as those associated with the ZIPLOC T M and ZIP-PAK trademarks, and disclosed in e.g. US2003/0103687 Al (Schneider et al.), but excluding a slide zipper; 2) interlocking alternating hook-shaped closure members, and hook and loop fasteners such as those associated with the VELCROTM trademark, and disclosed in e.g. US2006/0062496 Al (Clune et al.); 3) fasteners employing self-engageable fastener ele 30 ments such as those associated with the APLIX T M trademark, and disclosed in e.g. US 2010/0135600 Al (Ducauchuis et al.) and US Patent No. 7,841,052 B2 (Ducauchuis); and 4) fasteners utilizing interference fit, e.g. as shown in US Patent No. 3,727,829 (Huni); all these US patent publications and patents incorporated by reference in their en tirety. An "interlocking surface" herein will typically be three-dimensional. It will be under 35 stood that in many embodiments of the invention, only a portion of the interlocking sur face of each of the respective interlocking strips will be exposed when the die cut seg- WO 2013/122940 PCT/US2013/025751 15 ment is displaced, e.g. because of the presence of side seals that will prevent edge por tions of the respective interlocking surfaces from being exposed. Likewise, in many em bodiments of the invention, when the package is reclosed, only a portion of the exposed respective interlocking surfaces will be interlocked with one another, e.g. because of dif 5 ferences in the manner in which the user recloses the package. "Lap seal" is used herein to mean a seal made by sealing an inside surface of a web to an outside surface of a web. The inside and outside surfaces can both be on a single web; or the inside surface can be of one web, and the outside surface of a second web. 10 "Lidstock" herein refers to a film used to cover a container or tray that carries a product, and can be sealed to the tray, typically as a perimeter heat seal. Lidstock typi cally is supplied to a food processor in a lay flat film rolled onto a roll. "Longitudinal seal" herein refers to a fin seal or lap seal. "Olefinic" and the like herein refers to a polymer or copolymer derived at least in 15 part from an olefinic monomer. "Open-loop" herein refers to a die cut that defines an open pattern or path in the first side panel whereby the web material within the path or pattern (the die-cut segment) can be displaced from its original position on the panel, e.g. by acting as a flap. "Oxygen barrier" and the like herein refers to materials having an oxygen perme 20 ability, of the barrier material, less than 500 cm 3 02 / m 2 - day - atmosphere (tested at 1 mil thick and at 25 0C, 0% RH according to ASTM D3985), such as less than 100, less than 50, less than 25, less than 10, less than 5, and less than 1 cm 3 02 / m 2 - day - at mosphere. Examples of polymeric materials useful as oxygen barrier materials are ethyl ene/vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), polyvinylidene dichloride (PVDC), vinylidene chlo 25 ride/ methyl acrylate copolymer, vinylidene chloride/ vinyl chloride copolymer, polyamide (nylon), and polyester (PET). "Polymer" and the like herein means a homopolymer, but also a copolymer thereof, including terpolymer, tetrapolymer, block copolymer, etc. "Pouch" herein means a pouch or bag. 30 "Pre-anchored" herein means an embodiment wherein an interlocking strip has been anchored to a web before the start of the relevant process. For example, an inter locking strip can be anchored to a lay-flat web by a supplier of the web, and the rolled up web, with the interlocking strip anchored thereto, can then be supplied to a packager who uses the web and strip in any of the processes disclosed herein.
WO 2013/122940 PCT/US2013/025751 16 "Reclosable" herein refers to a feature or function of a package whereby a pack age can be reclosed by folding the package such that a first interlocking strip is brought into interlocking engagement with a second interlocking strip. "Reclosure mechanism" herein refers to a first and second interlocking strip, each 5 strip including a first and second side edge, a first and second end, and an interlocking segment having a base surface and an interlocking surface. "Registration device" herein refers to any mark, pattern, die cut or feature of a web or interlocking strip, that facilitates the advancement of the web or strip, in a controlled manner, into a packaging machine, where the web or strip is used to make individual 10 packages. The device can be e.g. printed, as for example an eye-spot, or placed in uni formly spaced fashion along or near an edge of the web or strip, i.e. registration marks, or in an area near the middle of a web that does not interfere with decorative printed graph ics. These marks are used in connection with appropriate sensors to controllably advance the web or strip. Where die cuts are used as a registration device, detected by sensors, it 15 may not be necessary to print registration marks on the web or strip. "Seal" herein means a bond between two thermoplastic surfaces, e.g. as pro duced by heat sealing, radio frequency (RF) sealing, ultrasonic sealing, permanent adhe sive, or repositionable adhesive or PSA, or a combination of any of these modes of seal ing. Sealing a strip to a surface, as described herein, should be understood as sealing all, 20 or at least a portion of, the strip to all, or at least a portion of, the surface. "Sealant" is a polymeric material or blend of materials, such as olefinic polymer or copolymer such as an ethylenic polymer or copolymer, that can form a surface of an inter locking strip, or a web to which the strip is sealed, and form a bond between two thermo plastic surfaces. A permanent or a repositionable adhesive such as pressure sensitive 25 adhesive can also be a sealant. " Shadowed" and the like herein refers to a die cut segment that is at least partially underlain by an interlocking strip, i.e. when the die cut segment is displaced, at least a part of the interlocking surface of the interlocking strip is exposed at the opening in the first side panel created by displacing the die cut segment. 30 "Strip" herein refers to an elongate piece of thermoplastic material, typically longer in a first direction than in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, e.g. rectangular; but can also be square, round, oblong, elliptical, or any appropriate shape in plan view. The strip can be of any suitable thickness, e.g. between 0.1 and 30 mils. "Tamper evidence", "tampering", and the like herein refers to visual evidence of a 35 breach in a package; i.e. that someone has accidentally or intentionally opened or par tially opened the package, or attempted to do so.
WO 2013/122940 PCT/US2013/025751 17 "Thermoplastic" herein includes plastic materials that when heated to a softening or melting point may be reshaped without significant thermal degradation (burning). Thermoplastic includes both materials that are not crosslinked, or that are crosslinked by chemical or radiation means. 5 "Tray" herein refers to a formed member that has a tray bottom, tray sides, and a tray flange around the upper perimeter of the tray, where the tray bottom and tray sides form an internal cavity within which a product can be placed. The cavity can be enclosed by a lidstock sealed to the tray flange. "Web" is used herein to mean a thermoplastic film, laminate, or web, either mul 10 tilayer or monolayer, that may be used in connection with the present invention. The web can be of any suitable thickness, e.g. between 0.1 and 30 mils, and the web can be of any suitable length and width. "Zipper" and the like herein refers to a plastic zipper closure, press-to-close or slide zipper, interlocking closure, reclosable fastener with interlockable fastener elements, 15 interlocking rib and groove elements having male and female profiles, interlocking alter nating hook-shaped closure, and the like. All compositional percentages used herein are presented on a "by weight" basis, unless designated otherwise. Drawings herein are not necessarily to scale, and certain features of the invention 20 may be graphically exaggerated for clarity. Detailed Description Of The Invention 1. Package Referring to the drawings, a package 5 according to the invention is shown. 25 Package 5 includes a pouch 7 that can be made from either a single web, or two webs, to form a first or front side panel 12, and a second or back side panel 14. A. Web(s) In either embodiment, the web or webs (hereinafter "web") comprises a thermo plastic material of any suitable composition, e.g. those having as at least one component 30 olefinic materials such as ethylene or propylene polymers or copolymers, e.g. polyethyl ene or ethylene/alpha olefin copolymers; or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). A suitable web includes those typically used in, or useful in, HFFS, VFFS, lidstock/tray, continuous horizontal packaging, and bag making apparatus and processes. The web can be monolayer or multilayer in construction, can be coextruded, laminated, or made by any 35 suitable film making process, and can have any suitable thickness. Examples of a web useful in the invention include H7225BTM, a barrier hybrid material used for products re- WO 2013/122940 PCT/US2013/025751 18 quiring a high oxygen barrier, such as shredded cheese; H7525BTM, a barrier hybrid ma terial used for products requiring a high oxygen barrier, such as bacon and smoked and processed meat; H7530B, like H7525B but having a thickness of about 3 mils; CPO4140TM, a low barrier (high OTR) material used in produce packaging, CPM4090, a 5 microwaveable packaging film for fresh cut produce; and T7225BTM, a barrier material used as lidstock for products requiring a high oxygen barrier, such as luncheon meat. These are all commercial products produced by the Cryovac business unit of Sealed Air Corporation. In some embodiments, for example in the packaging of produce, the web will typically not have an oxygen barrier layer. 10 Referring to the drawings, the first side panel 12 has a top portion 9, a first side edge 31 and second side edge 33, and a lower portion 17. The second side panel 14 has a top portion 11, a first and second side edge (not shown), and a lower portion 18. In a finished package, the first and second side edges 31 and 33 of first side panel 12 will typically be congruent with the first and second side edges of second side panel 14. The 15 first and second side panels 12 and 14 are joined together along their respective first and second side edges by either a seal or a fold. First side edge 31 of first side panel 12 is joined to the first side edge of the second side panel 14 by a seal 30. Second side edge 33 of first side panel 12 is joined to the second side edge of the second side panel 14 by a heat seal 32. The second end 34 of the pouch 7 can be either a seal or a fold. Where a 20 single web is used to make the pouch, second end 34 will typically be a fold, although even after the web is folded, a seal such as a heat seal can optionally be installed in the area of the fold. Where two webs of film are used to make panels 12 and 14, second end 34 will be a seal that joins panels 12 and 14 together along their respective lower portions 17 and 18. The two webs can be from the same material, or can be different in composi 25 tion, structure, etc. B. Interlocking strips Referring to Figure 4, first interlocking strip 10 in accordance with the invention in cludes an interlocking segment "D" of the strip, having a base portion 261, a base surface 251 and interlocking surface 252. Surface 252 can comprise e.g. a field of hook-shaped 30 features that can be engaged with a complementary field of loop-shaped features dis posed on a second interlocking strip, or vice versa. Alternatively, a set of mushroom or T shaped features, such as disclosed in US 2010/0135600 Al can be employed. More broadly, any suitable interlocking mechanism can be employed. Surface 252 of interlock ing segment "D" is attached, imbedded in, or otherwise connected to base surface 251, or 35 alternatively included as an integral component, e.g. a molded or extruded component, of interlocking segment "D" or of strip 10.
WO 2013/122940 PCT/US2013/025751 19 Interlocking strip 10 can optionally include a first skirt segment denoted by region SL, and/or a second skirt segment denoted by region SR. These skirt segments may be useful in the manufacture of strip 10, and may also be useful in anchoring strip 10 to a web. Skirt segment SL is shown with a base portion 263, a base surface 253 and a sec 5 ond surface 254. Skirt segment SR is shown with a base portion 265, a base surface 255 and a second surface 256. Strip 10 can alternatively include additional or alternative skirt segments such that interlocking segment "D" is bounded on some or all of its sides by a skirt segment. Second interlocking strip 13 can be configured like first interlocking strip 10, or can 10 be of any suitable alternative construction, provided it can be brought in interlocking en gagement with strip 10 to reclose the package after the package has been initially opened. Both interlocking strips 10 and 13, and their analogs disclosed in the present ap plication, are disposed between first panel 12 and second panel 14. Typically strips 10 15 and 13 are spaced apart from the first and second ends of the pouch, but strip 10 is dis posed farther from the first end of the pouch than strip 13. In one embodiment, strip 13 is disposed at the first end of the pouch. Typically, strips 10 and 13 are parallel to one an other, and spaced apart from each other sufficiently to enable the package, after opening, to be folded at a fold region disposed between the strips, such that the interlocking sur 20 face of second strip 13 can be brought into engagement with the interlocking surface of first strip 10 to reclose the package. Strips 10 and 13 can be of any suitable dimension, and will typically be longer in length than in width, with the length of the strip 10 being e.g. greater than two times the width of the strip, e.g. greater than 3, 4, or 5 times the width. A typical dimension for the 25 strips is a width of from about 0.25 inches to 1.5 inches and a length of about 7 inches. The strips will be shorter in at least one dimension than the pouch and package. For ex ample, the strips can extend across the transverse width of a pouch made in a HFFS or VFFS process, but will be significantly narrower than the length of the package (see e.g. Fig. 3). In one embodiment, the strips will occupy less than 50%, such as less than 40%, 30 less than 30%, less than 20%, or less than 10% of the length of the package. The strips can in another embodiment be shorter in both dimensions than the pouch and package. The strip can occupy e.g. less than 50%, such as less than 40%, less than 30%, less than 20%, or less than 10% of each of the length and width of the package. The first end 28 of strip 13 will be typically within about three inches of the first end of the pouch. Strip 13 35 can be closer than this, such as within about two inches, one and one quarter inches, one inch, 0.75 inches, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, or 0.1 inches of the first end of the pouch. The strips WO 2013/122940 PCT/US2013/025751 20 can each be of any suitable thickness, for example have a thickness of between 1 and 20 mils, such as between 3 and 18 mils, between 5 and 15 mils, or any thicknesses therebe tween. Strip 13 can have the same dimensions as strip 10, or different dimensions from strip 10. 5 One or more of the surfaces of strips 10 and 13 comprise a sealant. In one em bodiment, the second surface 254 of skirt segment SL of strip 10 is anchored to the inner surface 27 of the first side panel 12, and surfaces 251, 253 and/or 255 of strip 13 are an chored to the inner surface 29 of the second side panel 14. In this arrangement, option ally the second surface 256 of skirt segment SR is sealed to the inner surface 27 of the 10 first side panel 12 with an easy open seal. In some embodiments, the first and second strips 10 and 13 are sealed to the inner surfaces 27 and 29 of first and second side pan els 12,14 respectively only along the first and second side edges of the package. In other embodiments, the strips are sealed to the respective inner surfaces of the package along a portion of, or along the entire width of the package. 15 When a product 24 is placed in the pouch 7, by processes herein disclosed, and the pouch 7 is closed, the package 5 is made. Opening mechanisms The package of the invention can be easily manually opened, by displacing the die cut segment 56 as described herein. In some embodiments, where an easy-open 20 supplemental seal is additionally present, any suitable mechanism or combination of mechanisms for obtaining this functionality and feature can be used according to the in vention. One mechanism is adhesive failure, where two surfaces each comprises a poly meric composition that, when the surfaces are sealed together, form an easy-open seal. This seal provides the interface that breaks apart upon manually opening the package. In 25 some embodiments, the polymeric compositions of the two sealed surfaces will be the same or similar. In other embodiments, the compositions of the two surfaces will differ, i.e. dissimilar sealants are used. Another mechanism is delamination failure, where the interlaminar bonds between layers of a material, such as a multilayer film, can be broken. Thus, the interlaminar bond provides the interface that will break apart upon manually 30 opening the package. Yet another mechanism is cohesive failure, where a layer of a ma terial such as a film fractures when the package is opened. Optionally, especially for applications where hermeticity of the package is required before the package is first opened, an easy-open supplemental seal, of any suitable geometry, can be used to seal the inner surface of the first side panel to the end of strip 35 10 closest to the first end of the package; to the second strip 13; or to the inner surface of the second side panel (see e.g. easy-open supplemental seal 38 of Figure 24).
WO 2013/122940 PCT/US2013/025751 21 Alternatively, an easy-open supplemental seal can be used to seal strip 10 to the second strip 13; or to the inner surface of the second side panel. The easy-open supplemental seal can be installed at any suitable location in the package, and when appropriately placed, helps reduce the possibility that oxygen from outside the package can enter the 5 unopened package, e.g. through the die cut. An easy-open supplemental seal can be made by the use of an easy-open sealant placed on the surface of, or forming a surface layer of, any of the first and second interlocking strips, or the inner surface of the first or second side panel. Alternatively, a discrete easy-open film, i.e. a film with an easy-open functionality such as any of those disclosed herein, can be used in conjunction with the 10 invention. The easy-open film can be installed at any suitable location in the package, such as between and attaching the inner surface of the first side panel to the end of strip 10 closest to the first end of the package, to the second strip 13, or to the inner surface of the second side panel; or between and attaching strip 10 to the second strip 13; or to the inner surface of the second side panel. 15 In some embodiments, a first portion of the die cut segment has a score, and a second portion of the die cut has a through cut. Referring to FIG. 2A, the first side panel 12 includes at least one die cut 21 defin ing die cut region "C". Strip 10 is anchored to the inner surface 27 of first side panel 12 at anchor region "B" with a relatively strong seal. Optionally, another portion of the strip is 20 sealed to the inner surface 27 with an easy-open heat seal. Strip 13 is anchored to the inner surface 29 of second side panel 14 at anchor region "A" with a relatively strong seal. The invention is characterized by the fact that: - when the die cut segment is displaced and the package is opened, the product can be accessed between the first and second interlocking strips, the first and second 25 interlocking surfaces are at least partially exposed, and the package can thereafter be reclosed by folding the package such that the interlocking surface of the first interlocking strip is interlocked with the interlocking surface of the second interlocking strip; it will be understood that in embodiments where an easy-open supplemental seal is present, displacing the die cut will not by itself typically open the package, i.e. provide access to 30 the contents, but that relative movement of the first and second side panels and/or interlocking strips must be effected to break the supplemental seal to open the package and provide access to the package contents, for example by pulling the first side panel away from the second side panel. In embodiments where no easy-open supplemental seal is present, displacing the die cut segment will thereby open the package, i.e. provide 35 access to the package contents; WO 2013/122940 PCT/US2013/025751 22 - the first and second interlocking strips are not exposed until the package is ini tially opened; - the first and second interlocking strips are not interlocked with one another until the package is initially opened and then reclosed; 5 - the first interlocking strip is farther from the first end of the package than the second interlocking strip. 2. Method of Makinq a Packaqe A. Horizontal form/fill/seal (HFFS) HFFS packaging systems are generally well known to those of skill in the packag 10 ing industry, and can be used to make packages of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 5, lay-flat web 300, having a first surface 321 and a second sur face 322, is unwound from roll 302, then advanced to forming plow 304 to convert lay-flat web 300 to folded web 305 (typically a centerfold film). The second end of each of the pouches to be made will comprise a second end fold 306. Second end fold 306 therefore 15 is equivalent to second end 34 of Fig. 1. This second end fold can be optionally sealed, or left as a folded second end of the pouch. Side seals 308 are made to define a plurality of vertically arranged pouches 309. Each pouch 309 is cut off from the trailing edge of web 300 by an appropriate cutting mechanism (not shown) at position 311, a product 24 (see Fig. 1) is inserted or dropped into the open mouth 312 of each pouch, and the pouch 20 mouth 312 is then closed by a suitable sealing mechanism such as a heat sealer (not shown) to create a seal 314, and produce a package including a first and second side panel (see Figs. 2 and 2A). Web 300 includes one or more die cuts made in a predeter mined pattern (see e.g. Figure 24 and 25) to produce packages according to the inven tion. Die cuts present in the lay-flat webs disclosed herein, and the first side panel of 25 each package, pouch or bag made from such webs, are not shown in all of the drawings. Interlocking strip 310, equivalent to strip 10 of Figs.1, 2, and 2A, is unwound from a roll 325, and disposed on lay-flat web 300 prior to, or as web 300 is being folded into folded web 305. Strip 310 is oriented such that its interlocking surface 252 faces first sur face 321 of web 300. Strip 310 is disposed on the web spaced apart from, and parallel to, 30 the first and second longitudinal edges 307, 317 respectively of lay-flat web 300. Interlocking strip 313, equivalent to strip 13 of Figs.1, 2, and 2A, is unwound from a roll 315, and disposed on lay-flat web 300 prior to, or as web 300 is being folded into folded web 305. Strip 313 is oriented such that its base surface 251 faces first surface 321 of web 300. Strip 313 is disposed on the web at, or near and spaced apart from, and 35 parallel to, the first longitudinal edge 307, and spaced apart from and parallel to second longitudinal edge 317, of lay-flat web 300.
WO 2013/122940 PCT/US2013/025751 23 Optionally, strips 310 and 313 can be tacked by a discontinuous seal, adhesive, or the like to web 300 to keep the strips in place during the HFFS packaging process. Alter natively, they can be permanently anchored to the web, and/or any easy-open supple mental seal as described herein, can be installed at this point or later in the process, e.g. 5 by .a suitable sealing mechanism such as a heat sealer (not shown). Strips 310 and 313 are thus installed on the pouch in the same overall HFFS proc ess that achieves production of the pouch, loading of a product into the pouch, and com pletion of the package. Strips 310 and 313 are incorporated into the pouch and after cut ting and sealing as described herein, are disposed between and anchored to the inner 10 surfaces of the first and second side panels respectively of each package, such that the interlocking surface of each of strips 310 and 313 faces the inner surface of the first side panel. In the embodiment of Figure 5, strip 313 is disposed to position the strip, in each individual pouch made by the HFFS process, near and spaced apart from the first end of 15 each pouch, i.e. near and below the open mouth 312, or alternatively at the first end of each pouch. Strip 310 is disposed on the web near the centerline of the web, and parallel to, the first longitudinal edge 307 of the lay-flat web 300. This positions the strip, in each individual pouch made by the HFFS process, below and parallel with strip 313. In alternative embodiments, strips 313 and 310 can be disposed on the web in 20 any suitable arrangement. For example, the strips can be fed onto web 300 such that strip 313 is near and spaced apart from the end fold 306 of each pouch, i.e. near and above the end fold at the bottom of each pouch. Strip 310 can be disposed such that in the final pouch, strip 310 is further from end fold 306 than strip 313. Die cuts on the web are suitably arranged such that the opening mechanism disclosed herein can be used in 25 these alternative embodiments to open the package, by removal of a die cut segment, and expose at least a portion of the interlocking surfaces of the first and second interlock ing strips. Alternatively (Fig. 6) strips 310 and 313 are installed on the lay-flat web prior to the start of the HFFS packaging process. This can be accomplished off-site from the 30 processor, e.g. by the supplier of the web roll 302. The strips can be located at any suit able location on the web, as described above for the embodiments of Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is a view of a section of folded web 305. Strip 310 is disposed, and option ally attached to, what will become inner surface 27 of first side panel 12 of the package, and strip 313 is disposed, and optionally attached to, what will become inner surface 29 35 of second side panel 14 of the package, such that upon sealing the web to create a pouch, panels 12 and 14 (see Figs. 1 and 2) will trap strips 310 and 313 between them.
WO 2013/122940 PCT/US2013/025751 24 Fig. 8 is similar to Fig. 7, but shows an optional gusset 400 that can be made in the sec ond end fold 306 of the folded web. A gusseted second end provides a stand-up pouch feature in the final package. Gusseting can be accomplished by any suitable means known to those of skill in the art. 5 B. Vertical form/fill/seal (VFFS) FIGS. 9 and 10 show a VFFS apparatus and process according to some embodi ments of the invention. VFFS packaging systems are generally well known to those of skill in the art, and described for example in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,589,247 (Tsuruta et al) and 4,808,010 (Vogan), both incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 10 Apparatus 40 utilizes a lay-flat web 41 as a rollstock. Web 41 includes die cuts made in a predetermined pattern (see e.g. FIGS. 24 and 25). Product 42 is manually or mechanically supplied to apparatus 40, from which a predetermined quantity of product 42 reaches the upper end portion of forming tube 44 via funnel 43, or other conventional means. The packages are formed in a lower portion of apparatus 40, and web 41 is fed 15 vertically upward from feed roll 51, and over forming bars (not shown), wrapped about forming tube 44, and provided with a longitudinal fin seal or lap seal 47 by longitudinal heat sealing device 46, resulting in a vertically-oriented folded web in the form of a tube 48. Transverse heat seal bars 45 close and seal horizontally across the lower end of ver tically-sealed tube 48, to form a pouch 49 which is then packed with product 42. Film 20 drive belts 52, powered and directed by rollers or suitable alternative motive means, ad vance tube 48 and pouch 49 vertically downward a predetermined distance, after which seal bars 45 close and simultaneously seal horizontally across the lower end of vertically sealed tube 48 and across the upper end of sealed pouch 49 to form a package. The next pouch 50 is then filled with product 42 and advanced, and the cycle is repeated. A 25 cut-off knife (not shown), incorporated with the seal bars 45, severs a lower sealed pouch 49 from the bottom of upstream pouch 50. Interlocking strips 84 and 54 (Figs. 9 and 11), equivalent to strips 10 and 13 re spectively, are unwound from rolls 85 and 53 respectively to dispose strips 84 and 54 onto first surface 421 of web 41 before, or as, web 41 is wrapped about forming tube 44. 30 Strip 84 is oriented such that its interlocking surface 252 faces surface 421 of web 41. Strip 54 is oriented such that its base surface 251 faces surface 421 of web 41. Web 41 includes second surface 422. Pouches 49 and 50, and subsequent pouches, each comprise a first and second side panel, and in each pouch, strip 84 is anchored to the inner surface of the first side 35 panel, and strip 54 is anchored to the inner surface of the second side panel. Strips 84 and 54 are thus trapped between the inner surfaces of the first and second side panels WO 2013/122940 PCT/US2013/025751 25 respectively, arranged so that the interlocking surfaces of each of strips 84 and 54 face the inner surface of the first side panel. Alternatively (Figs. 10 and 12), strips 84 and 54 are already installed on the lay flat web prior to the start of the VFFS packaging process. This can be accomplished off 5 site from the processor, e.g. by the supplier of the feed roll 51. Strips 84 and 54 are dis posed on the web 41 either parallel to (Fig. 12) or perpendicular to (see strips 74 and 75 in Fig. 13), the first and second longitudinal edge 61 and 62. In some embodiments, at least one of the web and strips carries a registration de vice. 10 Fig. 14 shows a front view of a VFFS package 5 made according to the embodi ment of Fig. 13, and including a pouch 7 comprising first and second transverse seals 78, folded side edges 81 and 82, interlocking strips 74 and 75, longitudinal seal 47, and product 24. Interlocking strip 74 is anchored to the inner surface of the first side panel of the pouch in region "B" (see Fig. 2A); interlocking strip 75 is anchored to the inner surface 15 of the second side panel of the pouch in region "A". Strips 74 and 75 can extend entirely across the transverse width of pouch 7, or across selected segments of the pouch. Die cut 21 is present but not shown. In FIG. 15, a leading or downstream pouch "L" includes transverse bottom and top seals 78, folded side edges 81 and 82, strips 74 and 75, and longitudinal seal 47. Trailing 20 or upstream pouch "T" has features similar to leading pouch "L". Leading pouch "L" is severed from upstream pouch "T" at cut line 80, and the seals 78 are made by suitable sealing equipment, such as heat sealing equipment. Fig. 16 shows folded web 500 in which interlocking strip 502 is sealed to a longi tudinal portion of the folded web, and is positioned near and spaced apart from fin seal 25 501, formed as disclosed hereinabove. A second interlocking strip (not shown), compa rable to strip 54 of Fig. 11, is disposed in the fin seal area of the package. A finished package will thus look like the package of Fig. 3, when viewed at a right angles to the po sition in Fig. 3, i.e. with the strip 10 to the right side of each package, and first ends 509, 511 of the fin seals and package, and the second end 34 representing a fold. The em 30 bodiment of Fig. 16 provides a method of producing packages on a VFFS apparatus where the longitudinal seal of the package effectively becomes the first end of the fin ished package (discounting any unsealed material between the longitudinal seal and the top edge of the package). Alternatively (Fig. 17), a package like the embodiment of Fig. 16 is shown, but 35 where a lap seal 503 is shown, wherein interlocking strip 10 is sealed to a longitudinal portion of the folded web, and a second interlocking strip (not shown) is sealed to the WO 2013/122940 PCT/US2013/025751 26 folded web in the lap seal area of the folded web. In this as well as the other processes disclosed herein, a lap seal can be used in lieu of a fin seal when making a longitudinal seal according to the invention. A finished package 5 according to Fig. 17 has a product therein; the two longitudinal ends of the package are closed by a transverse seal; the lap 5 seal, having edges 507 and 508, runs down the middle or spine of the package, the package bounded on both ends by the transverse seals; and two interlocking strips are anchored to an interior surface of the package. At any time during the method of making the package in an HFFS or VFFS proc ess, strips 310 and 313, 84 and 54, or comparable pairs of strips, are anchored to the lay 10 flat web, the folded web, or the inner surface of the first side panel. This can be done e.g. on the lay-flat web prior to supplying the web to the processor, prior to or as the lay-flat web is advanced to a forming device, or before or after a product is put in the open pouch. C. Lidstock/Formed Web 15 Figs. 18 to 20 show a formed web, e.g. a tray, and a non-formed web, e.g. a lid stock, in another embodiment of the invention. Tray 602 will typically be made during the packaging process. Thermoforming equipment, available from e.g. Multivac, Tiromat, Ulma or Rapid Pak, is used to convert flat thermoplastic forming web into formed pockets to create trays for containing product such as food, various industrial and consumer items 20 and sterile medical products. Trays are formed from a lower web by heat and pressure, loaded with product manually or automatically, optionally vacuumized or backflushed with modified atmosphere, hermetically sealed to an upper web, separated, and removed for distribution or storage. Alternatively, pre-made trays can be used, that can be rigid or semi-rigid, flat or shaped, and made from any suitable material, solid or expanded, includ 25 ing PP, polystyrene, polyamide, 1,4- polymethylpentene (e.g. TPX T M available from Mit sui), or crystallized polyethylene terephthalate (CPET). A tray liner can optionally be used that adheres to the surface of the pre-made tray on which the product is to be placed. This liner can be of any suitable design, and can be a multi-layer structure with at least one layer with gas-barrier properties. Such a liner can be adhered to the tray by 30 heat lamination, extrusion lamination, extrusion coating, adhesives, corona treatment, etc. Tray 602 can be a flexible or semi-rigid, or rigid formed web. Tray 602 has a tray bottom 604, tray sides 606, and a tray flange 608 along its pe rimeter to which the lidstock 612 can be sealed by heat or other means. Tray bottom 604 and tray sides 606 define a tray cavity. Tray 602 can be of any suitable thickness, e.g. 35 from 2 to 30 mils thick, and any suitable construction.
WO 2013/122940 PCT/US2013/025751 27 Referring to Figs. 19 and 20, a package includes tray 602 to which lidstock 612 has been sealed with perimeter seal 614. Lidstock 612 is typically a lay-flat web formu lated to function as a lid on a formed web, and can be any suitable monolayer or mul tilayer thermoplastic film, e.g. as described herein with respect to webs useful with the 5 present invention. The package includes interlocking strips 610 and 613, equivalent to strips 10 and 13 respectively, disposed between the lidstock and the tray flange such that the strips are trapped between and sealed to the lidstock and tray flange. Strip 610 is disposed on the inside surface of the lidstock, anchored to the inside surface of the lidstock, and oriented such that its interlocking surface 252 (see Fig. 4) 10 faces the inside surface of the lidstock. Strip 613 is disposed on the inside (upper) sur face of tray flange 608, near the first end of the package, and closer to the first end of the package than strip 610, and anchored to the inside (upper) surface of tray flange 608, oriented such that its interlocking surface 252 faces the inside surface of the lidstock. To open the package, die cut segment 56 is removed by grasping the tab shown 15 at one end of the die cut segment in Figure 19. This action provides access to the con tents of the package through the area between strips 610 and 613, which are exposed by removal of die cut segment 56. Package 600 is thus easily opened and product can be removed as desired. The package can thereafter be reclosed by folding the package such that interlocking strip 613 comes into interlocking engagement with interlocking strip 610. 20 Lidstock 612 can be sealed and cut, e.g. perimeter heat sealed and cut, in regis tered fashion by otherwise conventional means, e.g. in thermoforming equipment, as the lidstock 612 is advanced from a roll into a packaging system where it is progressively fed over filled trays, sealed to the trays, and cut to create finished packages. Strip 610 can be anchored to lidstock 612 by the supplier of the lidstock, as in the 25 embodiments of Figs. 6 and 12. Alternatively, strip 610 can be anchored to the lidstock at any time during the packaging process, as in the embodiments of Figs. 5 and 11; e.g. be fore or after a product is placed in the formed web, or prior to or as the lidstock is sealed to the formed web. Strip 613 can be anchored to a web to be made into the formed web by the sup 30 plier of the web, as in the embodiments of Figs. 6 and 12. Alternatively, strip 613 can be anchored to the inside (upper) tray flange during the packaging process, as in the em bodiments of Figs. 5 and 11; e.g. before or after a product is placed in the formed web, or prior to or as the lidstock is sealed to the formed web. As strips 610 and 613 are disposed respectively on a lidstock, or a web to be 35 formed into a formed web, they can be brought into contact with, and optionally tacked or WO 2013/122940 PCT/US2013/025751 28 anchored to a surface of the relevant web as in the HFFS and VFFS embodiments dis closed herein. D. Continuous horizontal packaging In another embodiment, and referring to Figs. 21 and 22, the package of the in 5 vention can be made using a continuous HFFS process and apparatus such as those used for packaging bakery and other goods, sometimes known as Flow Wrap, Flow-Wrap or Flow wrapping machines or systems, and available from manufacturers/suppliers such as Ilapak, ULMA, and Bosch. Fig. 21 shows such a process and apparatus 700, but one in which interlocking 10 strip 724 is installed into a package. Lay-flat web 702 is drawn from roll 704 and ad vanced to forming device 710. As this occurs, a series of products 706 is advanced along conveyor 708 to forming device 710, and interlocking strip 724 is drawn from roll 726 and advanced to forming device 710. Web 702 is formed by forming device 710 into folded web 712. This folded web is like the folded web described above with respect to VFFS 15 embodiments, but in a substantially horizontal orientation. Folded web 712 wraps around products 706. A longitudinal sealing device that can be part of forming device 710 forms a lap or fin seal (of the type disclosed above with respect to VFFS embodiments) at the bot tom or top of, or along or near a side of, the folded web. The lap or fin seal is typically a heat seal. An alternative is to have a separate sealing device 714 to produce the lap or fin 20 seal. The products travel downstream from forming device 710 and sealing device 714 to transverse sealing device 716 where the folded web is transversely sealed in areas of the folded web between adjacent products. Such seals are typically heat seals. The products are advanced from transverse sealing device 716 to cutting device 718a and 718b, where the formed and longitudinally and transversely sealed folded web is severed in areas of 25 the folded web between adjacent products, in or near the transverse seals, such that indi vidual packages 720 are produced. Alternatively, the sealing function of transverse seal ing device 716 and the cutting function of cutting device 718a and 718b can be combined at a single station. Web 702 and interlocking strip 724 can be of any suitable dimension and compo 30 sition, such as those disclosed herein. As strip 724 is fed to forming device 710, it can be brought into contact with, and optionally tacked or anchored to a surface of web 702, as in the HFFS and VFFS embodiments disclosed herein. Fig. 22 shows strip 724 anchored parallel to and near longitudinal edge 703 of web 702 as they progress toward forming device 710. Alternatively, strip 724 can be fed into forming device 710, and then incorpo 35 rated into folded web 712 by anchoring the strip to the interior surface of the web adjacent to the area of the formed web in which the lap or fin seal is made, and in a manner and WO 2013/122940 PCT/US2013/025751 29 format analogous to the embodiments of Figs. 9, 16 and 17, but in a horizontal rather than vertical position. In another embodiment, strip 724 can be pre-applied to web 702 by the supplier of the web, analogous to the embodiments of Figs. 6, 10 and 12. In another embodiment, the strip can be positioned at right angles to the direction of travel of web 5 702, and can be preapplied to the web, as in Fig. 13; the resulting packages will be simi lar to those illustrated in Figs. 14 and 15. Another interlocking strip 722 (Fig. 22) can be installed on the web in any of the same ways as interlocking strip 724, similar to the em bodiments of Figs. 5,6, and 9 to 17. The resulting package has a first interlocking strip 722 and a second interlocking strip 724, where both strips can be anchored to the lay-flat 10 web or the formed web at any time during the method of making the package, such as prior to supplying the web to the processor, prior to or as the lay-flat web is advanced to a forming device, or before or after advancing a product to the forming device. Strip 722 is oriented such that its interlocking surface 252 faces web 702. Strip 724 is oriented such that its base surface 251 faces web 702. The strips are arranged in 15 a finished package such that the strips are trapped between inner surfaces of web 41, and are not exposed to the exterior of the package before initial opening of the package. E. Side seal bags In one embodiment (Figs. 26 and 27) the package of the invention can be made using otherwise conventional bag making equipment and processes. Bags are often 20 made as side seal bags. The side seal bag has a factory-made heat seal at opposite bag edges. The bag bottom is formed by one of two folds of film created during the extrusion of bag tubing during manufacture. The opposite fold of film is slit to form a bag mouth. The bag is typically made from a long length of bag tubing. A method of making side seal bags is disclosed in US 2008/0138478 Al (Ebner et al.), this patent incorporated herein 25 by reference in its entirety. Side seal bag 180 includes web 182, first edge 184 defining an open mouth, edge fold 190, first side seal 192, and second side seal 194. Interlocking strips 189 and 191 are anchored on a bag, or on a slit bag tubing that is then cut and sealed at predetermined intervals to make a series of side seal bags 180, by any suitable process such as any of 30 those disclosed herein. Each bag includes a first side panel and a second side panel, and interlocking strips 189 and 191 are trapped between the first and second side panels of the bag. Both strip 189 and strip 191 are oriented such that their respective interlocking surfaces 252 face the inner surface of the first side panel. Strip 189 is anchored to the inner surface of the first side panel, and strip 191 is anchored to the inner surface of the 35 second side panel. Strips 189 and 191 can be brought into contact with, and optionally WO 2013/122940 PCT/US2013/025751 30 tacked or anchored to a relevant surface of the bag tubing, slit bag tubing, or bag at any suitable time during the manufacture of the bag. A bag with a die cut and interlocking strips disposed thereon can be made by ex truding a thermoplastic tube to make a bag tubing; die cutting the bag tubing at predeter 5 mined intervals; slitting the tubing at one longitudinal edge thereof; and periodically trans versely cutting and sealing the bag tubing to make a plurality of individual bags each with two interlocking strips disposed thereon. Strips 189 and 191, and the die cut can function as described herein for other embodiments and processes, in providing an easy-open and reclosable package. Some of the steps set out in US 2008/0138478 Al, for making a 10 bag, are optional with respect to the present invention; e.g. irradiation and orientation of the tubing. Method of Operation In opening a package in accordance with the invention, (Figs. 23A to 23C), die-cut segment 56 defined by a closed-loop die cut 21 (see Figs. 24 and 25) is manually 15 grasped, e.g. at tab 90, and pulled from first side panel 12, breaking through any easy open seal that is present. This opens the package in one step. The first end of strip 10 closest to the first end of the package can be grasped and pulled away from the second side panel 14 to access product in the interior 57 of the package, During this opening sequence, the anchor in region "B" between e.g. surface 254 of strip 10, and 27 of first 20 side panel 12 (see Fig. 2A), will typically remain intact, such that strip 10 stays attached to surface 27. To reclose the package, a portion of the second side panel can be folded over, e.g. at fold region FR, such that interlocking strip 13 comes into interlocking engagement with interlocking strip 10. 25 The package can thereafter be reopened and reclosed several times. Method Of Makinq A Die Cut In A Web A conventional die cutter can be used to create die cut 21, and optionally one or more additional die cuts in a web used to make first side panel 12. Die cuts can be made by any suitable conventional process and equipment. Any suitable pattern of die cut can 30 be used, open or closed-loop, as long as it serves the function of providing an easy-open package in which the packaged product can be accessed by means of displacement of a die cut segment defined at least in part by the die cut. Alternative patterns include elliptical, oval, triangular, rectangular, hour glass, "dog bone", and other regular and irregular shapes. 35 The die cut can extend completely through the first side panel, or may extend through most of, but not entirely through, the thickness of the panel. The die cut may WO 2013/122940 PCT/US2013/025751 31 extend through e.g. at least 50% of the thickness of the first side panel, e.g. at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or 100% of the thickness of first side panel 12. The die cut can extend at different thicknesses through a single side panel, whether open or closed-looped. 5 A laser system can be configured to produce a laser cut that cuts partly or completely through the panel, or alternatively, a die cut can be made using a mechanical cutting system using rotary engraved dies, or steel rule dies supported in platens as used in reciprocating presses. The choice of die cutting technique depends on several factors, including the thickness and physical nature of the film or web to be cut. 10 The die cut may act as a tamper evident feature. The application of interlocking strips, the die cutting of a web to produce a first side panel, and the assembling of a package incorporated a die cut web and the interlocking strips, can be done at a single location, or at separate locations, with the assembling of the package by a packager using pre-provided interlocking strips and a die 15 cut web prepared elsewhere and provided in advance of the packaging process. Package Examples Example 1. A package is made in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2A and described herein, in a horizontal form/fill/seal system. The resins are identified in Table 1. 20 Table 1 Material Tradename Or Source(s) Code Designation AB1 10853 TM Ampacet AD1 PLEXAR T M PX3236 T M LyondellBasell AD2 BYNEL T M 39E660 TM DuPont EV1 ESCORENE T M LD318.92 TM ExxonMobil OB1 SOARNOL T M ET3803 T M Nippon Gohsei PE1 AFFINITY TM PL 1888G T M Dow PE2 PETROTHENE T M NA 345-013TM LyondellBasell PE3 PE T M 1042cs15 T M Flint Hills PE4 ----------------------
------------------
PE5 EXCEED T M 3512CB T M ExxonMobil PE6 -----------------------------
--------------------------
AB 1 is a masterbatch having about 81% linear low density polyethylene, and about 19% of an antiblocking agent (diatomaceous earth).
WO 2013/122940 PCT/US2013/025751 32 AD1 is a maleic anhydride modified LLDPE that acts as a polymeric adhesive (tie layer material). AD2 is a maleic anhydride modified EVA that acts as a polymeric adhesive (tie layer material). 5 EV1 is an ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer with a vinyl acetate content of less than 10% by weight of the copolymer. OB1 is EVOH with about 38 mole% ethylene. PE1 is a branched, single-site catalyzed ethylene/octene copolymer with a density of about 0.9035 grams/cubic centimeter. 10 PE2is LDPE. PE3 is LDPE. PE4 is a dry/pellet blend of 65% AD2 and 35% PE3. PE5 is a linear, single-site catalyzed ethylene/hexene copolymer with a density of about 0.9120 grams/cubic centimeter. 15 PE6 is a blend of between 0.01% and 100%, by weight of the total composition, PE5, and between 100% and 0.01%, by weight of the total composition, EV1. First and second side panels 12 and 14 respectively each comprise H7530B, a laminate having the construction: chemically treated PET polyurethane adhesive coextruded barrier film where the PET is a biaxially oriented polyester film, and the coextruded barrier 20 film has the construction: Layer 1 Layer 2 Layer 3 Layer 4 Layer 5 Layer 6 Layer7 PE1 EV1 AD1 OB1 AD1 EV1 76% PE2 + 20% PE4 + 4% AB1 0.63 0.33 0.19 0.23 0.19 0.33 0.63 The overall thickness of the coextruded barrier film is about 2.50 mils. Layer gauges in mils for each layer are indicated below each layer. Layer 7 is the layer of the 25 barrier film adhered, by the adhesive, to the PET film. Layer 1 is the heat sealant layer of the film, and the EAO (PE1) of layer 1 forms the inner or sealant surface of the package, facing the contained product, and the PET forms the outer or skin surface of the package. The thickness of the PET film is about 0.48 mils. The overall thickness of the laminate is about 3.0 mils. 30 Alternatives to the composition of layer 7 include various combinations of materals, including: WO 2013/122940 PCT/US2013/025751 33 - 96% PE2 + 4% AB1. - 100% PE2. - 76% PE2 + 20% PE6+ 4% AB1. The interlocking strips 10 and 13 of the package are in this example strips having 5 self-mating micro-hooks derived from the EASY-LOCK T M closure system available from Aplix Inc. Before the package is made, strips 10 and 13 are anchored to the H7530B web (specifically, to layer 1 of the coextruded barrier film of the H7530B laminate) while the latter is in a lay-flat condition (see Fig. 5). A closed loop die cut is made in the web by a 10 C02 laser prior to applying the strips to the web; the die cut defining a die cut segment is positioned so as to result in the package as shown in Figure 2A. The above descriptions are those of embodiments of the invention. Although this disclosure has been directed primarily at embodiments wherein the second interlocking strip is anchored to the inner surface of the second side panel (or, in the aspect of the 15 formed web and lidstock, anchored to the inner surface of the formed web), those skilled in the art will appreciate that for any of the disclosed aspects and embodiments of the in vention, the second interlocking strip can in a first alternative be anchored to the inner surface of the first side panel (or, in the aspect of the formed web and lidstock, anchored to the inner surface of the lidstock). In a second alternative, the second interlocking strip 20 can be anchored to the inner surface of both the first and second side panel (or, in the aspect of the formed web and lidstock, anchored to the inner surface of both the formed web and the lidstock). One advantage of the first alternative is that anchoring of both the first and second strips to the first side panel may be easier than anchoring the first strip to the first side 25 panel, and the second strip to the second side panel. One disadvantage is that the con tents of the package could in some instances be trapped in the region between the sec ond strip and the first end of the package. The second alternative would avoid this trap ping issue, but may reduce to some extent the internal volume of the package available for holding product. 30 All parts and percentages are by weight, unless otherwise indicated or well under stood in the art. Except in the claims and the specific examples, or where otherwise ex pressly indicated, all numerical quantities in this description indicating amounts of mate rial, reaction conditions, use conditions, molecular weights, and/or number of carbon at oms, and the like, are to be understood as modified by the word "about" in describing the 35 broadest scope of the invention. Any reference to an item in the disclosure or to an ele ment in the claim in the singular using the articles "a," "an," "the," or "said" is not to be WO 2013/122940 PCT/US2013/025751 34 construed as limiting the item or element to the singular unless expressly so stated. All references to ASTM tests are to the most recent, currently approved, and published ver sion of the ASTM test identified, as of the priority filing date of this application. Each such published ASTM test method is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. 5 Terms referring to polymers, such as polyester, polyamide, and polyolefin, refer herein to both homopolymers and copolymers thereof, unless otherwise specified. In the drawings, the flow of materials is in the direction of the arrows. The drawings herein are not necessarily to scale, and certain features of the invention may be graphically exaggerated for clarity. 10 Both the web or webs used in the manufacture of the package according to the in vention, and the interlocking strips, can be made by any suitable process, including coex trusion, extrusion coating, extrusion lamination, and conventional lamination using poly urethane or other adhesives. Extrusion can be done in annular or flat dies. The extrudate can be hot blown or cast, and optionally solid-state oriented as desired. Chemical or elec 15 tronic crosslinking of one or more layers of the webs can be done. Both web and strips can be advanced by suitable motive means (not shown, and well known in the art, such as a motor) from their respective rolls. A package according to the invention can optionally carry printed indicia, which can be decorative or informational in nature. Decorative printed indicia can include a logo, 20 a trademark, product information, etc. with text and/or graphics. Printed indicia can be in the form of a message e.g. "easy open" or "open here". This can be printed in scattered process (i.e. registration is not required) on or near the first end of the package, and surface printed or reverse printed. In some embodiments, it may be beneficial to adhere the strips to the lay-flat web 25 prior to processing on equipment, or at the time, before processing, when the strips are disposed on the web. Any suitable means, such as permanent adhesive or heat sealing, can be used to seal the strips to the web to ensure that the strips maintain their position on the web during processing. In some embodiments, the strips are anchored to the web at the interface between the web and the surface of the strips comprising a sealant layer 30 that provides a relatively strong seal. The strips can be e.g. sealed to the web by a suit able device (not shown) such as a heat sealer, disposed below the web while the web is in its lay-flat condition. In the embodiments disclosed herein, the first end of the package can be sealed, typically where two webs are used to make the package. Alternatively, the first end of the 35 package can be a fold, e.g. where a single web of material is used to make the package.
WO 2013/122940 PCT/US2013/025751 35 Although the invention is described in some embodiments herein as a package comprising a pouch comprising a first and second side panel each having a top edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge, those skilled in the art will understand, after a review of this disclosure, that in some embodiments, wherein a single web is used, the 5 terms "side panel", "top edge", "first side edge", "second side edge", and the like are used for convenience to describe the relative locations or regions on a single web made into a pouch, so that the overall geometry of the package, and relative positions of the various features of the invention can be described. Thus, for instance, the first and second panels in a single web embodiment of the invention can be simply defined regions of the pouch, 10 and the package made therefrom, and side edges are simply the side lines of those re gions. In such embodiments, the line of joinder of the side edges are the two side folds in the web that define the sides of the package. In contrast, in embodiments with two webs, each web when produced will have an identifiable first and second side edge, that will each be joined to a respective side edge of a second web. 15 Although the first and second side panels are shown in various embodiments as having the same length, the second side panel can in some embodiments be longer than the first side panel, i.e. the first end of the second side panel can extend beyond the first end of the first side panel, or vice versa. The extended portion can e.g. accommodate a hang tab with a hole therein, or function as a fold-over flap for reclosing the package after 20 opening. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in describing a panel, strip or the like being "sealed" to another panel, strip, or the like, sealing is done by conventional means as described, and typically occurs in seal widths consistent with industry practice for packaging. 25 Packages of the various embodiments of the invention disclosed herein can op tionally be vacuumized or gas flushed by otherwise conventional means. A package in accordance with the invention can contain a modified atmosphere. For the avoidance of doubt, the present application is directed in various embodiments to the subject matter described in the following paragraphs. These are 30 optional embodiments of any of the first, second, third, or any subsequent aspects of the invention as described hereinabove in the Summary of the Invention, and for each aspect these features can be taken alone or in any suitable combination of these features: - at least one of the first and second interlocking strips comprises a skirt segment having a first and second surface, a first and second side edge, and a first and second 35 end.
WO 2013/122940 PCT/US2013/025751 36 - at least one of the first and second surfaces of the skirt segment of the first and/or second interlocking strip comprises a relatively strong sealant. - at least one of the first and second surfaces of the skirt segment of the first and/or second interlocking strip comprises an easy-open sealant. 5 - the second surface of a first skirt segment of the first or second interlocking strip is anchored to the inner surface of the first side panel with a relatively strong seal. - the first and second side panels are joined together along their respective first and second side edges with a seal. - the first and second side panels are joined together along their respective first 10 and second side edges with a fold. - the first end of the first side panel, and the second side panel, are joined together with a seal. - the first end of the first side panel, and the second side panel, are joined together with a fold. 15 - the first end of the first side panel, and the first end of the second side panel, are joined together with a seal. - the first end of the first side panel, and the first end of the second side panel, are joined together with a fold. - the second end of the first side panel, and the second end of the second side 20 panel, are joined together with a seal. - the second end of the first side panel, and the second end of the second side panel, are joined together with a fold. - the package with an easy-open supplemental seal can be opened with a peel force of from 25 grams/inch to 5 pounds/inch. 25 - the die cut segment is underlain by substantially the entirety of the first and second interlocking surfaces. - the package is absent a discrete thread or tear strip. - the die cut segment includes a first portion wherein the die cut extends partially through the first side panel, and a second portion wherein the die cut extends entirely 30 through the first side panel. - a supplemental easy-open seal seals the first side panel to the first end of the first interlocking strip. - a supplemental easy-open seal seals the first side panel to the second surface of a skirt of the second interlocking strip. 35 - the first side edge of each of the first and second interlocking strips is disposed between and sealed to the first side edge of the first and second side panels respectively, WO 2013/122940 PCT/US2013/025751 37 and the second side edge of each of the first and second interlocking strips is disposed between and sealed to the second side edge of the first and second side panels respectively. - the first and second interlocking fasteners each comprise hook-and-loop fasten 5 ers. - the first and second interlocking fasteners each comprise self-interlocking male fasteners. - the package can be opened in one step. - the package can be closed in one step. 10 - the package can be produced using two reels, each carrying and dispensing an interlocking strip, such that a greater length of interlocking strip can be carried on each reel, and the reels require change-over less often, than if two already interlocked strips were carried on a single reel. - having two separate strips results in a thinner overall material at the side seals of 15 the pouch and package, and therefore a stronger seal and/or a seal more easily made, than when two already interlocked strips are sealed at a given location on a pouch or package. - when the die cut segment is displaced, the package is thereby opened. - the die cut extends across the entire width of the package, pouch, or bag. 20 - the first and second interlocking strips are initially made and anchored to the package in one piece, with a connecting piece between them, such that when the package is opened, the connecting piece is torn, providing ac cess to the contents of the package.

权利要求:
Claims (15)
[1] 1. An easy-open and reclosable package enclosing a product comprising: 5 a) a pouch comprising i) a first and second side panel each comprising an outer and inner surface, a first and second side edge, and a first and second end, the first and second side panels joined together along their respective first and second side edges; 10 ii) a first end defined by the first end of at least one of the first and second side panels, the first end of the first side panel joined to the second side panel; iii) a second end defined by the second ends of the first and second side panels respectively, the first and second side panels joined 15 together along their respective second ends; iv) a reclosure mechanism, disposed between the first and second side panels, comprising (a) a first interlocking strip comprising a first and second side edge, a first and second end, and an interlocking segment 20 having a base surface and an interlocking surface, the first interlocking strip anchored to the inner surface of the first side panel such that the interlocking surface faces the inner surface of the first side panel, and (b) a second interlocking strip comprising a first and second 25 side edge, a first and second end, and an interlocking segment having a base surface and an interlocking surface, the second interlocking strip anchored to the inner surface of at least one of the first and second side panels such that the interlocking surface faces the inner surface of the first 30 side panel; and v) a die cut disposed in the first side panel, the die cut defining a die cut segment, the die cut segment so arranged with respect to the reclosure mechanism that when the die cut segment is displaced, and the package is opened, 35 (a) the product can be accessed between the first and second interlocking strips, WO 2013/122940 PCT/US2013/025751 39 (b) the interlocking surface of each of the first and second interlocking strips is at least partially exposed, and (c) the package can thereafter be reclosed by folding the package such that the interlocking surface of the first interlocking strip is 5 interlocked with the interlocking surface of the second interlocking strip; and b) a product disposed in the pouch; wherein the package is configured such that (i) the interlocking surfaces of the first and second interlocking strips are not exposed 10 until the package is initially opened, (ii) the interlocking surfaces of the first and second interlocking strips are not interlocked with one another until the package is initially opened and then reclosed, and (iii) the interlocking surface of the first interlocking strip is farther from the first end of the package than the interlocking surface of the second interlocking strip. 15
[2] 2. The package of claim 1 wherein at least one of the first and second interlocking strips comprises a skirt segment having a first and second surface, a first and second side edge, and a first and second end. 20
[3] 3. The package of claim 1 wherein the die cut segment includes a first portion wherein the die cut extends partially through the first side panel, and a second portion wherein the die cut extends entirely through the first side panel.
[4] 4. The package of claim 1 wherein an easy-open supplemental seal seals the first 25 side panel to the first interlocking strip.
[5] 5. The package of claim 1 wherein the first and second interlocking fasteners each comprise self-interlocking male fasteners. 30
[6] 6. A method of making an easy-open and reclosable package in a horizontal form/fill/seal process comprising: a) providing a lay-flat web, the lay-flat web having a first and second 35 longitudinal edge, and a die cut; WO 2013/122940 PCT/US2013/025751 40 b) providing a reclosure mechanism comprising a first and second interlocking strip each comprising a first and second side edge, a first and second end, and an interlocking segment having a base surface and an interlocking surface; 5 c) advancing the lay-flat web to a forming device to convert the lay-flat web to a folded web having an interior surface; d) advancing the reclosure mechanism such that when the package is made, the reclosure mechanism is disposed between a first and second side panel of the package; 10 e) making side seals in the folded web to produce an open pouch comprising i) the first and second side panels each comprising an outer and inner surface, a first and second side edge, and a first and second end, the first and second side panels joined together along their respective first and second side edges by a seal, 15 ii) a first end defined by the first end of at least one of the first and second side panels, iii) a second end defined by the second ends of the first and second side panels respectively, the first and second side panels joined together along their respective second ends, and 20 iv) the first interlocking strip anchored to the inner surface of the first side panel such that the interlocking surface of the first interlocking strip faces the inner surface of the first side panel, and the second interlocking strip anchored to the inner surface of at least one of the first and second side panels such that the interlocking surface 25 of the second interlocking strip faces the inner surface of the first side panel; f) putting a product in the open pouch; and g) sealing the first end of the first side panel to the second side panel to close the pouch; 30 wherein the package is configured such that (i) the die cut is disposed in the first side panel, the die cut defining a die cut segment, the die cut segment so arranged with respect to the reclosure mechanism that when the die cut segment is displaced, and the package is opened, (a) the product can be accessed between the first and second interlocking 35 strips, WO 2013/122940 PCT/US2013/025751 41 (b) the interlocking surface of each of the first and second interlocking strips is at least partially exposed, and (c) the package can thereafter be reclosed by folding the package such that the interlocking surface of the first interlocking strip is interlocked with the 5 interlocking surface of the second interlocking strip; (ii) the interlocking surfaces of the first and second interlocking strips are not exposed until the package is initially opened; (iii) the interlocking surfaces of the first and second interlocking strips are not interlocked with one another until the package is initially opened and then reclosed; 10 (iv) the interlocking surface of the first interlocking strip is farther from the first end of the package than the interlocking surface of the second interlocking strip; (v) each of the first and second interlocking strips is either pre-anchored to the lay-flat web, or is anchored to the lay-flat web, folded web, or first or second side panel at any time before or during the step of making side seals in the folded web; and 15 (vi) the web is cut at the side seals during the step of making side seals in the folded web, or before, during or after any subsequent steps.
[7] 7. The method of claim 6 wherein at least one of the first and second interlocking strips comprises a skirt segment having a first and second surface, a first and second 20 side edge, and a first and second end.
[8] 8. The method of claim 6 wherein the die cut segment includes a first portion wherein the die cut extends partially through the first side panel, and a second portion wherein the die cut extends entirely through the first side panel. 25
[9] 9. The method of claim 6 wherein an easy-open supplemental seal seals the first side panel to the first interlocking strip.
[10] 10. The method of claim 6 wherein the first and second interlocking fasteners each 30 comprise self-interlocking male fasteners.
[11] 11. A method of making an easy-open and reclosable package in a continuous horizontal packaging process comprising: a) providing a lay-flat web, the lay-flat web comprising a first and second 35 surface, and a die cut; WO 2013/122940 PCT/US2013/025751 42 b) providing a reclosure mechanism comprising a first and second interlocking strip each comprising a first and second side edge, a first and second end, and an interlocking segment having a base surface and an interlocking surface; 5 c) advancing the lay-flat web to a forming device to convert the lay-flat web into a folded web having an interior surface; d) advancing the reclosure mechanism such that when the package is made, the reclosure mechanism is disposed between a first and second side panel of the package; 10 e) advancing a product to the forming device such that the folded web envelopes the product; f) longitudinally sealing the folded web to make a longitudinal seal; g) transversely sealing the folded web, with the product therein, to produce a leading transverse seal to define a first pouch; 15 h) advancing the folded web, with the leading transverse seal, forward a predetermined distance; i) transversely sealing the folded web to produce a trailing transverse seal in the first pouch, and a leading transverse seal in a second pouch, the second pouch disposed upstream of the first pouch; and 20 j) cutting the folded web to separate the first pouch from the second pouch to form an individual package comprising the first and second side panel, the package comprising the first and second side panels each comprising an outer and inner surface, a first and second side edge, and a first and second end, the first and second side panels joined together along their 25 respective first and second side edges, a first end defined by the first ends of the first and second side panels, a second end defined by the second end of the first and second side panels respectively, and the first interlocking strip anchored to the inner surface of the first side panel such that the interlocking surface of the first interlocking strip faces the inner 30 surface of the first side panel, and the second interlocking strip anchored to the inner surface of at least one of the first and second side panels such that the interlocking surface of the second interlocking strip faces the inner surface of the first side panel; wherein the package is configured such that WO 2013/122940 PCT/US2013/025751 43 (i) the die cut is disposed in the first side panel, the die cut defining a die cut segment, the die cut segment is so arranged with respect to the reclosure mechanism that when the die cut segment is displaced, and the package is opened, (a) the product can be accessed between the first and second interlocking 5 strips, (b) the interlocking surfaces of each of the first and second interlocking strips is at least partially exposed, and (c) the package can thereafter be reclosed by folding the package such that the interlocking surface of the first interlocking strip is interlocked with the 10 interlocking surface of the second interlocking strip; (ii) the interlocking surfaces of the first and second interlocking strips are not exposed until the package is initially opened; (iii) the interlocking surfaces of the first and second interlocking strips are not interlocked with one another until the package is initially opened and then reclosed; 15 (iv) the interlocking surface of the first interlocking strip is farther from the first end of the package than the interlocking surface of the second interlocking strip; and (v) each of the first and second interlocking strips is either pre-anchored to the lay-flat web, or is anchored to the lay-flat web, folded web, or first or second side panel at any time before or during the step of making the longitudinal seal in the folded web. 20
[12] 12. The method of claim 11 wherein at least one of the first and second interlocking strips comprises a skirt segment having a first and second surface, a first and second side edge, and a first and second end. 25
[13] 13. The method of claim 11 wherein the die cut segment includes a first portion wherein the die cut extends partially through the first side panel, and a second portion wherein the die cut extends entirely through the first side panel.
[14] 14. The method of claim 11 wherein an easy-open supplemental seal seals the first 30 side panel to the first interlocking strip.
[15] 15. The method of claim 11 wherein the first and second interlocking fasteners each comprise self-interlocking male fasteners.

类似技术:

---

公开号 | 公开日 | 专利标题

---

AU2013221736B2|2017-05-11|Easy open and reclosable package with die-cut web and reclosure mechanism

---

US9221591B2|2015-12-29|Easy open and reclosable package with discrete laminate with die-cut

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US9656784B2|2017-05-23|Easy open and reclosable package with discrete laminate, with die-cut, anchored to second side panel

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US9586724B2|2017-03-07|Easy open and reclosable gusseted package with die-cut web and reclosure mechanism

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US8893457B2|2014-11-25|Easy open and reclosable package with die-cut web and discrete tape anchored to second side panel

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US8979370B2|2015-03-17|Easy open and reclosable package with discrete laminate with die-cut

---

AU2013221768B2|2017-02-02|Easy open and reclosable package with panel section with easy open sealant and reclosure mechanism

---

US20110038573A1|2011-02-17|Easy Open Package with Discrete Strip and Die-Cut Web

---

US20110038572A1|2011-02-17|Easy Open Package

---

US20110097024A1|2011-04-28|Easy Open Package with Discrete Panel Section with Die-Cut

---

US20110097019A1|2011-04-28|Easy Open Package with Discrete Panel Section with Easy-Open Sealant

---

US20120207408A1|2012-08-16|Easy Open and Reclosable Package with Discrete Laminate, with Die-Cut, Anchored to Second Side Panel

---

US20110097023A1|2011-04-28|Easy Open Package with Discrete Laminate with Die-Cut

---

AU2013221766B2|2017-02-02|Easy open and reclosable package with panel section with die-cut

同族专利:

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公开号 | 公开日

---

EP2814751A1|2014-12-24|

---

US8727621B2|2014-05-20|

---

AU2013221736B2|2017-05-11|

---

EP2814751B1|2016-02-10|

---

ES2564284T3|2016-03-21|

---

NZ629366A|2016-07-29|

---

WO2013122940A1|2013-08-22|

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US20130209000A1|2013-08-15|

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法律状态:
2017-09-07| FGA| Letters patent sealed or granted (standard patent)|

---

2019-05-23| HB| Alteration of name in register|Owner name: CRYOVAC, LLC Free format text: FORMER NAME(S): CRYOVAC, INC. |

---

2020-09-10| MK14| Patent ceased section 143(a) (annual fees not paid) or expired|

优先权:

---

申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题

---

US13/371,809||2012-02-13||

---

US13/371,809|US8727621B2|2012-02-13|2012-02-13|Easy open and reclosable package with die-cut web and reclosure mechanism|

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PCT/US2013/025751|WO2013122940A1|2012-02-13|2013-02-12|Easy open and reclosable package with die-cut web and reclosure mechanism|

---