Package with releasable film access opening

Abstract

A flexible package having a releasable film access device is described and depicted. The access device can include a first peel seal film overlapping and sealed (e.g., temporary peel seal) to a second peel seal film. This formation of the sealed films can be provided in predetermined patches or strips that are, in turn, sealed to a sealant surface of a package panel proximate a main access opening. The overlapping peel seal film configuration provides a proper barrier for the package opening while simultaneously providing easy access into the package through separation of the overlapping peel seal films.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This Application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 155,769, filed Feb. 26, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to flexible packaging and, more particularly, to flexible packaging having at least one releasable film access feature proximate a controlled opening of the package.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Conventional flexible packaging typically utilizes peel seal technology in a very limited manner. As such, typical packaging requires additional formation and material costs in that a separate access device is needed and must be incorporated into the device to include barrier protection and opening access. Further, the relative rigidity of the additional access devices, such as zipper devices, limits their respective positioning on the package. For instance, it can be problematic to position such conventional access devic...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]In one embodiment, a “destructive” or fusion seal is provided at a selected portion of each of the peel seal films such that the films are bonded to the inner surface of the film at the target seal location. Further, a temporary or non-destructive seal is provided at a portion where the two peel seal films overlap. This temporary seal can be released or broken to allow separation of the films respective to each other and the package access opening to permit access into the package and its contents. A key advantage of such a configuration is that a controlled opening is provided wherein a user can access the slit or opening in the main package panels, and through the peel seal device without using scissors or a knife, which in turn promotes safety and ease-of-use.

Problems solved by technology

Conventional flexible packaging typically utilizes peel seal technology in a very limited manner.

As such, typical packaging requires additional formation and material costs in that a separate access device is needed and must be incorporated into the device to include barrier protection and opening access.

Further, the relative rigidity of the additional access devices, such as zipper devices, limits their respective positioning on the package.

For instance, it can be problematic to position such conventional access devices along gusset lines, panel folds, and the like.

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