INVÓLUCRO FLEXÍVEL TENDO UMA TIRA DE RASGO

Abstract

Flexible enclosure includes a front sidewall and a back sidewall and also includes a resealable assembly having first and second zipper segments that are coupled with the front and back sidewalls, respectively. The first and second zipper segments are mateable with and releasable from each other. The flexible enclosure also includes a tear strip having an elongated strip body that extends along the front sidewall. The tear strip also includes a pull tab that is accessible to a user along the front sidewall. The strip body defines an integrated portion of at least one of the first and second zipper segments. The strip body breaks from the resealable assembly and tears an access opening through the front sidewall when the pull tab is pulled away from the front sidewall by the user.

Description

1 / 23 “FLEXIBLE WRAPPING HAVING A TEAR STRIP” CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED ORDERS

[001] This application claims priority over U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 604,215 (filed March 13, 2024), which claims priority over U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 490,513 (filed March 15, 2023), the full descriptions of which are incorporated herein by reference. FIELD

[002] The subject of this application relates to flexible casings that include tear strips for initial opening and methods for manufacturing them. BACKGROUND

[003] Flexible containers (e.g., box lines, plastic packaging, and the like) can be used to store a wide variety of contents. Flexible containers have become more popular because they can cost less than alternatives and can be easily opened, but also resealed to provide sufficient protection to the contents within. A flexible container allows the user to repeatedly open the container, remove a portion of the contents from the container, and then reseal it in a way that seals the contents inside. In many cases, these flexible containers are torn or broken when initially opened. Despite being irreparably altered, flexible containers are configured to reseal the opening to protect the contents from the surrounding environment and / or prevent the contents from inadvertently escaping the container.Compared to user-improvised methods (e.g., rolling up the top of a flexible bag), flexible wrappers are more organized and assure the user that the contents are protected and will not leak if the wrapper is misplaced or falls.

[004] In one configuration, the flexible housing includes a tear strip that extends along a front side wall of the flexible housing. The tear strip can Petition 870250082213, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, page 9 / 55 2 / 23 include a tab configured to be gripped and pulled by the user, thus opening the front side wall and allowing the user to access the contents. While known tear strip configurations may be sufficient to open the casing, manufacturing casings with tear strips can be challenging. Furthermore, some tear strip configurations may cause unintended consequences, such as tearing unwanted parts of the casing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[005] In one embodiment, a flexible casing is provided that includes a front side wall and a rear side wall that define an internal cavity of the flexible casing. The flexible casing also includes a resealable assembly that includes first and second zipper segments that are coupled to the front and rear side walls, respectively, and are coupled together to enclose the product within the internal cavity. The first and second zipper segments are removable from each other to provide access to the product. The flexible casing also includes a tear strip with an elongated strip body that extends along the front side wall. The tear strip also includes a pull tab that is accessible to the user along the front side wall. The strip body defines an integrated portion of at least one of the first and second zipper segments.The body of the strip separates from the resealable assembly and opens an access opening through the front side wall when the pull tab is pulled out from the front side wall by the user.

[006] In one embodiment, a resealable assembly is provided for joining the first and second opposing side walls of a flexible casing. The resealable assembly includes first and second zipper segments that are configured to engage with the front and rear side walls, respectively, and are attachable to each other to enclose the product within an internal cavity of the flexible casing. The first and second zipper segments are removable from each other. The Petition 870250082213, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, page 10 / 55 3 / 23 The first zipper segment includes a top flange. The top flange forms an elongated strip body that is configured to extend along the front sidewall. The strip body is defined by at least one frangible line from the top flange, where the strip body is configured to separate from the top flange and tear an access opening through the front sidewall when the strip body is pulled away from the front sidewall by a user.

[007] In one embodiment, a method is provided that includes supplying a continuous sheet of flexible material. The continuous sheet has first zipper segments, second zipper segments, and elongated strip bodies that extend along the corresponding first zipper segments. The method also includes separating a closure sheet from the continuous sheet. The closure sheet includes at least one first zipper segment and one second zipper segment and an elongated strip body that extends along the first zipper segment. The method also includes folding the closure sheet so that the first zipper segment and the second zipper segment are aligned. The closure sheet, when folded, forms a first side wall with the first zipper segment and the strip body and forms a second side wall with the second zipper segment. The method also includes forming a cutout in the first side wall.The cutout defines a pull tab attached to one end of the strip body. The pull tab and the strip body form at least part of a tear-off strip of a flexible closure that is configured to tear an access opening through the first side wall. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[008] The inventive matter will now be illustrated with reference to the following figures, in which: Petition 870250082213, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, p. 11 / 55 4 / 23 Figure 1 is an isolated perspective view of a flexible enclosure formed according to an embodiment, Figure 2A is a cross-section of a flexible enclosure with a tear strip according to an embodiment, Figure 2B shows the flexible enclosure of Figure 2A in which the tear strip has been removed, thus opening the enclosure, Figure 3A is a cross-section of a front side wall and a rear side wall, before the formation of a flexible enclosure, in which the front side wall includes a zipper segment with an integrated tear strip and removal material according to an embodiment, Figure 3B is a cross-section of a flexible enclosure formed with the materials of Figure 3A, Figure 3C shows the flexible enclosure of Figure 3B in which the tear strip has been removed, thus opening the enclosure, Figure 4 is a plan view of a part of a flexible enclosure formed according to an embodiment illustrating a flap of the strip. tear,Figure 5 is a perspective cross-section of a front side wall and a rear side wall, before the formation of a flexible casing, in which the front and rear side walls were stamped to form a pull flap. Figure 6 is a perspective cross-section of a front side wall and a rear side wall, before the formation of a flexible casing, in which the front and rear side walls were stamped to form a pull flap. Figure 7 is a perspective cross-section of a front side wall and a rear side wall, before the formation of a flexible casing, in which a top flange was stamped to form a pull flap. Petition 870250082213, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, page 12 / 55 5 / 23 Figure 8 is a perspective cross-section of a front side wall and a rear side wall, before the formation of a flexible casing, in which an upper flange has been stamped to form a pull tab; Figure 9 is a cross-section of a resealable assembly with first and second zipper segments according to an embodiment; Figure 10 is a plan view of a flexible casing in which a pull tab is defined within a sealed structure of the flexible casing according to an embodiment; Figure 11 is a plan view of a flexible casing in which a pull tab is defined within a sealed structure of the flexible casing according to an embodiment; Figure 12A is an illustrative view of a tear strip that can be used in a flexible casing; Figure 12B is an illustrative view of another tear strip that can be used in a flexible casing.Figure 12C is an illustrative view of yet another tear strip that can be used in a flexible casing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[009] The embodiments presented here include flexible packaging with tear strips and a resealable assembly (or resealer) with the tear strips. The flexible packaging defines an internal cavity where the contents are stored. The flexible packaging can be initially opened by pulling a tear strip from the flexible packaging. The tear strip tears an access opening through a front side wall of the flexible packaging. The embodiments also include a resealable assembly within the flexible packaging. The resealable assembly has a first and a second zipper segment that are attachable and removable from each other. The separation of the first and second zipper segments Petition 870250082213, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, page 13 / 55 6 / 23 provides a second access point. Content can pass through both the first and second access points.

[010] The resealable assembly allows a person to open the packaging to access the contents and also close the packaging so that the contents are secured inside. The resealable assembly typically includes two opposing features with an opening between them for access to the contents. These two features may be called a resealer, although the resealable assembly may include additional features that do not aid in sealing the packaging. In the embodiment illustrated below, the resealable assembly includes a resealable assembly with first and second opposing zipper segments.

[011] Other embodiments, however, may include one or more types of resealers. For example, the resealer may include at least one of: an interlocking closure element, parallel fastening strips, cooperating adhesive strips, Velcro fastening elements, or a slider, or a combination thereof. The resealer may include, for example, a track and a strip on opposite surfaces of the enclosure, wherein the strip fits within and along the track. Optionally, the resealer may include two tracks and two strips, wherein each track receives a strip. As another example, the resealer may include two opposing tracks or strips filled with hooks. When joined, the hooks of one track engage with the hooks of the opposite track, thus sealing the enclosure. The hooks may be configured to engage at multiple levels. Optionally, the width of the tracks may be configured so that precise alignment is not required.The hooks can provide an audible and tactile response when the tracks are joined for closure.

[012] In some embodiments, a peelable material is applied to a surface that interfaces with the rear side wall. The peelable material may comprise a polymeric material. For example, the peel-off seal may Petition 870250082213, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, page 14 / 55 7 / 23 comprise at least one of polyethylene (including a copolymer of polyethylene), polypropylene, ionomers, amorphous polyester, vinyl acetate, polybutylene, or EVOH nylon. Non-limiting examples of detachable materials include polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, poly(lactic acid), poly(vinyl chloride), polyamide-6, poly(ethylene naphthalate), poly(ethylene terephthalate), poly(m-xylylene adipamide), poly(vinyl alcohol), ethylene-vinyl alcohol, and poly(vinylidene chloride).

[013] In some embodiments, the zipper elements may be at least partially molded from polypropylene (PP) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Optionally, the zipper elements, or parts thereof (e.g., the tear strip), may be made of a cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) resin, which may provide greater strength and stiffness when compared to PP, HDPE, or other known materials. Providing greater strength and stiffness to the tear strip may allow the use of stronger materials in the bag layers, which would not otherwise be used for sealed packaging. In addition, the use of COC in the tear strip may allow for more consistent and reliable opening of the packaging by the consumer.

[014] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a resealable flexible enclosure 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible enclosure 100 includes a front side wall (or first side wall) 102, a rear side wall (or second side wall) 104. In Figure 1, a tear strip 106 has been pulled out of the front side wall 102, thus separating the front side wall 102 into a first front section 112 (or upper front section) and a second front section 114 (or lower front section). With the tear strip 106, the first and second front sections 112 and 114 provide an access opening 124 to an internal cavity of the flexible enclosure 100.

[015] Side walls 102 and 104 are discrete sections of a flexible material. In some embodiments, the discrete sections may be provided by Petition 870250082213, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, page 15 / 55 8 / 23 different sheets (or films) of flexible material. Discrete sections are not parts of the same piece of flexible material. Discrete sections are typically cut from different sheets or cut from the same sheet at different times. For example, the front side wall 102 can be obtained from a first continuous sheet of flexible material, the rear side wall 104 can be obtained from a second different continuous sheet of the same flexible material. In some embodiments, the front and rear side walls 102, 104 can be formed by folding the same sheet of material over itself.

[016] In the illustrated embodiment, the front side wall 102 and the rear side wall 104 are directly fixed to each other along a sealed structure 120. The sealed structure 120 includes corresponding edges of the front and rear side walls 102, being sealed together. As shown, the sealed structure 120 extends along a perimeter of the flexible enclosure 100.

[017] Figure 2A is a cross-section of a resealable flexible casing 200 with a tear strip 205, according to one embodiment. The flexible casing 200 includes a first side wall 202 and a second side wall 204. A resealable assembly 210 of the flexible casing 200 is positioned between the first and second side walls 202 and 204. The resealable assembly 210 includes a first segment or zipper segment 212 and a second segment or zipper segment 214, which are configured to interlock to enclose the product within an internal cavity 218 of the flexible casing 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the first side wall 202 is attached to a first zipper segment 212, and the second side wall 204 is attached to a second zipper segment 214.

[018] The first and second zipper segments 212 and 214 have decoupled or separated from each other to provide access to the product within the inner cavity 218. In the illustrated embodiment, the first zipper segment 212 has a female interlocking element 222. The second segment Petition 870250082213, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, page 16 / 55 9 / 23 zipper 214 has a male interlocking element 226. When the first and second zipper segments 212 and 214 are coupled, the female interlocking element 224 of the first zipper segment 212 receives the male interlocking element 226 of the second zipper segment 214.

[019] The first zipper segment 212 has an upper flange 242 extending away from the interlocking element 222 and a lower flange 244 extending away from the locking elements 222. Each of the upper and lower flanges 242 and 244 is fixed to different areas of an inner surface 246 of the first side wall 202. The second zipper segment 214 has a lower flange 248 extending away from the interlocking element 226. The lower flange 248 is fixed to an inner surface 250 of the second side wall 204. The upper flange 242 is fixed to the inner surface 246, and the lower flanges 244 and 248 are each fixed to the inner surfaces 246 and 250 of the first and second side walls 202 and 204. Thus, the first and second side walls 202 and 204 are coupled together via the first and second zipper segments 212 and 214.As described herein, the first and second side walls 202 and 204 are also coupled via a sealed structure, in which the edges of the first and second side walls 202 and 204 are sealed together.

[020] The internal cavity 218 includes a portion above the resealable assembly 210 and a portion below the resealable assembly 210. The portion above the resealable assembly 210 may be called the inlet portion 292 and the portion below the resealable assembly 201 may be called the contents portion 294.

[021] The flexible casing 200 can be formed from various materials, including plastic and / or thermoplastic films, such as, but not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene, etc. In some embodiments, a single continuous layer can be folded to provide the first and second side walls. Petition 870250082213, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, p. 17 / 55 10 / 23 202, 204. The first and second side walls 202, 204 can be coupled to each other (e.g., heat-sealed) to define the internal cavity 218. As shown, the flexible enclosure 200 includes a sealed structure 250 where the edges of the first and second side walls 202 and 204 have been sealed. The sealed structure 250 includes an upper section 252 that partially defines the inlet portion 292.

[022] The top flange 242 extends toward the top section 230 along the first side wall 202. In some embodiments, parts of the top flange 242 may be used to provide the tear strip 205 and parts may be used to provide structural integrity to the flexible casing after removal of the tear strip 205.

[023] The tear strip 205 includes an elongated strip body 260 that extends along the front sidewall 202. In Figure 2, only a cross-section of the strip body 260 is shown, since the elongated strip body would extend both into and out of the page. The tear strip 205 also includes a pull tab 262 that is configured to be accessible to a user along the front sidewall 202. The pull tab 262 is shown dashed to indicate that it is positioned outside the page.

[024] In specific embodiments, the strip body 260, the upper flange 242, the lower flange 244, and the interlocking element 222 are portions of a common part or piece of material. For example, the zipper element 212 may be molded from a polymeric material. Optionally, the zipper element 212 may include frangible lines 264, 266 which represent weaker regions of the zipper element 212 that are configured to break or tear, such as when a user pulls the pull tab. The frangible lines may also be called lines of weakness. The frangible lines 264, 266 may be molded during a molding process. Alternatively, the frangible lines 264 may be Petition 870250082213, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, page 18 / 55 11 / 23 provided after the molding process. For example, the material can be embossed or pressed to weaken the upper flange 242 along the frangible lines 264 and 266. Consequently, the body of the strip 260 can be an integrated portion of the first zipper segment 212 that is configured to be removed when a user pulls the tear strip 205.

[025] Figure 2B is a cross-section of the flexible housing 200 after removal of the tear strip 205 (Figure 2A). The pull tab 262 (Figure 2A) is configured to be grasped by a user and pulled away from the front side wall 202. As the pull tab 262 moves away from the front side wall 202, the body of the strip 260 (Figure 2A) separates from the first zipper segment 212. The body of the strip 260 tears the front side wall 202, thus forming an access opening 270 through the front side wall 202.

[026] The access opening 270 separates the front side wall 202 into a first front section 272 and a second front section 274. As shown, the top flange 242 can also be divided into two sections. More specifically, a first top flange section 276 extends along the first front section 272 of the front side wall 202, and a second top flange section 278 extends along the second front section 274. The first and second top flange sections 276, 278 can enhance the structural integrity of the first and second front sections 272, 274. For example, a user may feel a stronger structure of the first and second front sections 272, 274 of the front side wall 202, which include the top flange sections 276, 278. The stronger structure can be appreciated when holding the second front section 274 to separate the first and second zipper segments 212, 214 and gain access to the internal cavity 218.In Figure 2B, the second upper flange section 278 is sealed to the second front section 274 and has a frayed edge 280 exposed to the access opening 270. Petition 870250082213, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, page 19 / 55 12 / 23

[027] Figure 3A is a cross-section of a front side wall 302 and a rear side wall 304, and a resealable assembly 306 between them, before the formation of a flexible casing, such as the flexible casing 200 (Figure 2A). In Figure 3A, the resealable assembly 306 may already be attached to the first and second opposite side walls 302, 304 or simply positioned for sealing (e.g., heat sealing). The resealable assembly 306 includes a first zipper segment 312 and a second zipper segment 314, configured to attach to the front and rear side walls 302, 304, respectively.

[028] In the embodiment illustrated, the first zipper segment 312 is a single piece of molded material that includes multiple portions formed during a forming process (e.g., molding or engraving). The portions include an upper flange 342, an interlocking element 322, and a lower flange 344. The upper flange 342 extends along and is attached to an inner surface 346 of the front side wall 302. The upper flange 342 is shaped to include a first flange portion 376, a second upper flange section 378, and an elongated strip body 360 that extends between the first and second flange portions 376, 378. The strip body 360 may be defined by at least one frangible line of the upper flange 342. For example, the strip body 360 is defined between two frangible lines 364, 366. The first flange portion 376 borders the strip body 360 along the frangible line 364.The second flange portion 378 extends away from the interlocking element 322 and borders the strip body 360 along the frangible line 366.

[029] As shown in Figure 3A, embodiments may include a detachable material 388 that is applied along the upper flange 342. For example, the detachable material 388 may be applied along at least the body of the strip 360 and the second section of the upper flange 378. Optionally, the detachable material 388 may also be applied to the first section of the flange. Petition 870250082213, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, p. 20 / 55 13 / 23 upper 376. The detachable material 388 may comprise a polymeric material that is configured to inhibit or prevent a strong bond between the upper flange 342 and an inner surface 347 of the rear side wall 304. For example, the detachable material 388 may comprise a mixture of polybutylene and polyethylene. When the first and second side walls 302, 304 are thermally sealed, the top flange 342 is also sealed to the inner surface 346 of the first side wall 302. However, the detachable material 388 may prevent at least part of the top flange 342 from bonding or sealing sufficiently with the second side wall 304. Thus, the detachable material 388 disposed between the top flange section 342 and the rear side wall 304 may allow the top flange section 342, including the strip body 360 and the second top flange section 378, to easily separate from the rear side wall 304.For some configurations, the detachable material 388 may require a higher temperature to seal compared to other materials in the heat sealing process. Thus, other materials (e.g., the top flange and front side wall) may be sealed together at a lower temperature, while the detachable material 388 may not form a seal with the rear side wall 304. For example, the detachable material 388 may comprise polypropylene (PP) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

[030] In specific embodiments, the strip body may comprise at least one of cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), PP or HDPE. Optionally, the strip body 360 may include a sealant coating, such as metallocene linear low-density polyethylene (mLLDPE), positioned along an interface between the strip body 360 and the front sidewall 302.

[031] Figure 3B is a cross-section of a flexible enclosure 300 formed using the components shown in Figure 3A. By means of a heat-sealing process, parts of the front side wall 302, of the flange Petition 870250082213, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, page 21 / 55 14 / 23 upper 342, of the detachable material 388 and of the rear side wall 304 are interleaved to form part of a sealed structure 320. Figure 3C is a cross-section of the flexible casing 300 after a tear strip 305 (Figure 3A) has been removed (e.g., torn) from the flexible casing. Regarding Figures 3B and 3C, the detachable material 388 allows the strip body 360 to separate from the rear side wall 304 more easily, compared to separating the rear side wall 304 without the detachable material 388. Furthermore, the detachable material 388 increases the likelihood of the rear side wall 304 remaining intact by the tear strip 305. More specifically, the strip body 360 cannot pull and tear a part of the rear side wall 304 with the strip body 360 when it is removed.

[032] The top flange 342 can provide additional support to the front side wall 302 during the tearing process. The additional thickness and rigidity can provide a more uniform tear compared to configurations without the top flange. As shown in Figure 3C, an access opening 370 separates the front side wall 302 into a first front section 372 and a second front section 374. The access opening 370 opens an inlet portion 392 of the internal cavity 318 to the user and allows access to a resealable assembly 310. The top flange 342 is also divided and includes a first top flange section 376 that extends along the first front section 372 and a second top flange section 378 that extends along the second front section 374. The first and second top flange sections 376 and 378 can improve the structural integrity of the first and second front sections 372 and 374, respectively.In addition, the first and second upper flange sections 376 and 378 can assist the user in separating the first and second zipper segments 312 and 314 from the resealable assembly 310. Petition 870250082213, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, page 22 / 55 15 / 23

[033] Figure 4 is a front view of a portion of a flexible housing 400 with a tear strip 405 that includes an elongated strip body 460 and a pull tab 462. As shown, the cord body 460 is positioned behind a front side wall 402 and as a portion of an upper flange 442. An upper edge 443 of the upper flange 442 is shown in relief. An upper edge 415 of a second zipper element, or back zipper element 414, is also shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the cord body 460 is positioned above the upper edge 415 of the second zipper element 414.

[034] In Figure 4, the front side wall 402 has a tab window 494 defined by an inner edge 495 of the front side wall 402. The tab window 494 may be formed by stamping (or punching) the front side wall 402. The pull tab 462 includes a distal edge 463 that defines the shape of the pull tab 462 and is also formed during the stamping process. As shown, the inner edge 495 surrounds the pull tab 462. In the illustrated embodiment, the pull tab 462 includes one end of the strip body 460 and a stamped section of the front side wall 402. Optionally, the pull tab 462 may include a stamped section of the rear side wall.

[035] Figure 5 is a perspective cross-section of a front side wall 502 and a rear side wall 504 before the formation of a flexible casing. The rear side wall 504 includes a hole 570 drilled through it. The hole 570 includes an edge of the rear side wall 504 so that the hole opens to the edge. The drilling can be performed before the rear side wall 504 and the front side wall 502 are formed / folded to overlap. In some embodiments, after a zipper segment 512 is attached to the front side wall 502 and a punch is used to form the pull tab 562, the punch cuts through the front side wall 502, a top flange 542 and, optionally, a portion of a rear flange 514. The second punch leaves a Petition 870250082213, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, p. 23 / 55 16 / 23 portion of the front side wall 502 and not only the top flange 542, but also the rear flange 514 are still fixed. The second drilling process can occur before or after the formation of a side or supplementary seal around the pull tab.

[036] Figure 6 is a perspective cross-section of a front side wall 602 and a rear side wall 604 before the formation of a flexible enclosure. The rear side wall 604 includes a hole 670 drilled through it. In Figure 6, the hole 670 does not include an edge of the rear side wall 604. Instead, the hole 670 is entirely defined by an inner edge of the rear side wall 604. The drilling can be performed before the formation / folding of the rear side wall 604 and the front side wall 602 so that they overlap. In some embodiments, after a zipper segment 612 is attached to the front side wall 602, a punch is used to form the pull tab 662. The punch cuts through the front side wall 602, an upper flange 642 and, optionally, a portion of a rear flange 614. The second punch leaves a portion of the front side wall 602 and not only the upper flange 642, but also the rear flange 614 still attached.The second punching process can occur before or after the formation of a lateral or supplementary seal around the pull tab.

[037] Figures 7 and 8 illustrate embodiments in which the pull tab can be wholly or nearly wholly shaped by a portion of an upper flange. Figure 7 is a perspective cross-section of a front side wall 702 and a rear side wall 704 before the formation of a flexible housing. The rear side wall 704 includes a hole 770 drilled through it. The hole 770 includes an edge of the rear side wall 704 such that the hole opens to the edge. The drilling can be performed before the rear side wall 704 and the front side wall 702 are formed / folded to overlap. In Petition 870250082213, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, p. 24 / 55 17 / 23 In some embodiments, after an upper flange 742, including a zipper segment 712, is attached to the front side wall 702, a punch is used to form the pull tab 762. The punch cuts through the front side wall 702, the upper flange 742 and, optionally, a portion of a rear flange 714. The second punching process may occur before or after the formation of a side or supplementary seal around the pull tab.

[038] Figure 8 is a perspective cross-section of a front side wall 802 and a rear side wall 804 before the formation of a flexible casing. The rear side wall 804 includes a hole 870 drilled through it. In Figure 8, the hole 870 does not include an edge of the rear side wall 804. Instead, the hole 870 is entirely defined by an inner edge of the rear side wall 804. The drilling can be performed before the formation / folding of the rear side wall 804 and the front side wall 802 so that they overlap. In some embodiments, after attaching a top flange 842 with a zipper segment 812 to the front side wall 802, a punch is used to form the pull tab 862. The punch cuts through the front side wall 802, a top flange 842 and, optionally, a portion of a rear flange 814.The second drilling process can occur before or after the formation of a lateral or supplementary seal around the pull tab.

[039] Figure 9 is a cross-section of a resealable assembly 900 configured to join first and second opposite side walls of a flexible enclosure (not shown). The resealable assembly includes first and second zipper segments 912, 914 configured to attach to the front and rear side walls, respectively. The first and second zipper segments 912, 914 are attachable to each other and can be released from one another. The first zipper segment 912 includes an upper flange 942. The upper flange 942 forms an elongated strip body 960 configured to extend along the front side wall. The Petition 870250082213, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, page 25 / 55 18 / 23 strip body 960 can be set between two frangible lines of top flange 942. In some embodiments, the strip body 960 is a portion of top flange 942, so that top flange 942 and strip body 960 are formed of the same material. In other embodiments, however, strip body 960 and top flange 942 include different materials, and strip body 960 is separately attached to top flange 942.

[040] Figure 10 is a plan view of a flexible enclosure 1000 in which a pull tab 1062 is defined within a sealed structure 1020 of the flexible enclosure 1000. The sealed structure 1020 surrounds an internal cavity 1018 and extends along a perimeter of the flexible enclosure 1000. The sealed structure 1020 includes a portion of a front side wall 1002 and at least one other side wall of the flexible enclosure being sealed together. The other side wall may be a rear side wall, as described herein, or a connecting or reinforcing wall extending between the front and rear side walls. The pull tab 1062 is formed from a portion of the sealed structure 1020. As shown, the width 1021 of the sealed structure 1020 is essentially constant along one edge of the flexible housing 1000 and includes the pull tab 1062.This is in contrast to known flexible housings, which require a complex sealed structure configuration to accommodate the pull tab.

[041] Figure 11 is a plan view of a flexible enclosure 1100 in which a pull tab 1162 is defined within a tab window 1125 of a fitted sealed frame 1120 of the flexible enclosure 1100. The sealed frame 1120 extends along a perimeter of the flexible enclosure 1000. As shown, the sealed frame 1120 is wider along a first edge section 1131 of the sealed frame 1120 that includes the tab window 1125, compared to a second edge section 1132 of the sealed frame 1120 that is opposite the first edge section 1131 and does not include a tab window. Petition 870250082213, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, page 26 / 55 19 / 23

[042] Figures 12A-12C are schematic illustrations of exemplary cross-sections of a tear strip 1212. Referring now to Figure 12A, the tear strip 1212 may be an elongated body 1230 with a generally rectangular cross-section when viewed in the plane of the page of Figure 12A. For descriptive purposes, the plane of the pages of Figures 12A-11C may generally be perpendicular to the plane of the page. Referring now to Figure 12B, the tear strip 1212 may be an elongated body 1240 having a protrusion 1242 formed along the length of the elongated body 1240. The elongated body 1240 may have a generally rectangular cross-section and the protrusion 1242 may have a generally triangular cross-section forming a sharp edge along the tear strip 1212. Referring now to Figure 12C, the tear strip 1212 may be an elongated body 1250 having multiple protrusions 1252 formed along the length of the elongated body.The elongated body 1250 may have a generally rectangular cross-section and the projections 1252 may have a generally triangular cross-section, forming multiple sharp edges along the elongated body 1250.

[043] In one example, the protrusions 1242 and 1252 may be in contact with layers, films, or panels of the flexible casing and may provide a sharp peak on the cutting strip 1212 to cut the flexible casing as the customer grips and pulls the cutting strip 1212 to open the flexible casing. The sharp peaks of the protrusions 1242 and 1252 may reduce the amount of force a consumer uses to tear the layers of the flexible casing relative to the amount of force required to tear the layer of the flexible casing using a blunt or flat cross-sectional profile. In one example, the protrusions 1242 and 1252 may have other cross-sectional shapes, producing a sharp edge along the cutting strip. For example, the protrusions 1242, 1252 may be square, rectangular, elliptical, pentagonal, among others. Petition 870250082213, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, page 27 / 55 20 / 23

[044] In one example, the protrusions 1242 and 1252 may cut or score one or more layers of the front side wall. The tear strip 1212 may be sealed or joined to the inner layer 16. The joining of the tear strip 1212 to the front side wall of the inner layer may be done by heat-sealing the tear strip 1212 (or the upper flange) to an inner surface along the length of the tear strip 1212. The tear strip 1212 may have a heat-seal coating 1232, a heat-seal coating 1244, or a heat-seal coating 1254, respectively, to enhance the heat-sealing of the tear strip 1212 to the inner layer. Heat-seal coatings 1232, 1244 and 1254 can improve the coupling of tear strip 1212 to the flexible housing.

[045] In one example, the elongated body 1240, for instance, may extend along a first direction, from a first end to a second opposite end, and the protrusion 1242 may extend along the first direction, from the first end of the elongated body 1240 towards, but not entirely, the second end of the elongated body 1240. In other words, the protrusion 1242 or the protrusions 1252 may be discrete features distributed along the length of the elongated body 1240 or the elongated body 1250, respectively. The protrusions 1242 and 1252 may be continuous along the length of the elongated body. The protrusions 1242 and 1252 may be arranged in a part of the elongated body. In one example, the protrusions 1242 and 52 may be discrete segments separated by gaps along the elongated body. In one example, protrusions 1242 and 1252 may be located toward the center of the flexible housing.The tear strip 1212 can be accessed through an opening located on an edge or within the body of the flexible housing. The tear strip 1212 can be positioned over a portion of the inner layers within the intermediate portion of the flexible housing. For example, the tear strip 1212 can be... Petition 870250082213, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, page 28 / 55 21 / 23 extend from one edge of the flexible housing and terminate in the middle portion of the flexible housing. In one example, tear strip 1212 may be located within the middle portion of the flexible housing and not come into contact with any edge of the flexible housing.

[046] A flexible enclosure can be manufactured by disposing of a set of tear strips between the first and second opposing panels of an enclosure. The tear strip assembly may include a tear strip 1212 with an elongated body formed from a cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) material. The tear strip assembly may include a coupling material or other components, such as a zipper flange, cord, or other resealing device. The tear strip assembly may be positioned so that only a portion of the tear strip assembly is accessible through the access opening. The flexible enclosure may be formed with an access opening through the first panel of the enclosure to expose a portion of the tear strip assembly, wherein the elongated body of the tear strip assembly is positioned to be pulled away from the second panel in order to tear the first panel and provide access to the enclosure.The COC material of the tear strip assembly is configured to assist in cutting the first panel as the elongated body is pulled away from the second panel.

[047] It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. For example, the embodiments described above (and / or their aspects) may be used in combination with one another. Furthermore, many modifications may be made to adapt a specific situation or material to the teachings of the inventive matter without departing from its scope. Although the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the inventive matter, they are by no means limiting and are examples of embodiments. Many other embodiments will become apparent to one with Petition 870250082213, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, page 29 / 55 22 / 23 common knowledge in the art when reviewing the above description. The scope of the inventive matter must therefore be determined with reference to the appended claims together with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims relate. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as plain English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “where”. Furthermore, in the following claims, the terms “first”, “second”, and “third”, etc., are used merely as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Additionally, the limitations of the following claims are not written in the means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 USC § 112(f), unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function without further structure.

[048] This written description uses examples to disclose various embodiments of the inventive matter and also to enable someone with common knowledge of the art to practice embodiments of the inventive matter, including the manufacture and use of any devices or systems and the execution of any methods incorporated. The patentable scope of the inventive matter is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to someone with common knowledge of the art. Such other examples must be within the scope of the claims if they feature structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims or if they include equivalent structural elements with insignificant differences from the literal language of the claims.

[049] As used herein, an element or stage recited in the singular and preceded by the word a or an should be understood as not excluding the plural of said elements or stages, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to “a modality” of Petition 870250082213, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, page 30 / 55 23 / 23 of the present invention should not be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the aforementioned characteristics. Furthermore, unless explicitly stated otherwise, embodiments “comprising”, “including” or “having” an element or a plurality of elements with a specific property may include additional elements that do not possess that property. Petition 870250082213, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, page 31 / 55

Claims

1 / 5 CLAIMS 1. Flexible casing, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises: a front side wall and a rear side wall that define an internal cavity of the flexible casing; a resealable assembly including first and second zipper segments that are attached to the front and rear side walls, respectively, and are attachable to each other to enclose the product within the internal cavity, the first and second zipper segments being removable from each other to provide access to the product;and a tear strip with an elongated strip body extending along the front side wall, the tear strip also including a pull tab that is accessible to the user along the front side wall, wherein the strip body defines an integrated portion of at least one of the first and second zipper segments, the strip body separating from the resealable assembly and forming an access opening through the front side wall when the pull tab is pulled away from the front side wall by the user.

2. Flexible casing, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the first zipper segment includes an upper flange extending along an inner surface of the front side wall, the strap body defining a portion of the upper flange, the strap body separating from the upper flange when the pull tab is pulled out of the front side wall by the user, and / or in that the pull tab includes stamped material of at least the front side wall and a portion of the strap body, and / or in that the first zipper segment includes an upper flange extending along an inner surface of the front side wall, the strap body defining Petition 870250082213, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, p.50 / 55 2 / 5 a part of the upper flange, wherein the pull tab includes stamped material from a part of the upper flange, and / or wherein it further comprises a sealed structure extending along a perimeter of the flexible housing, the sealed structure including the front side wall and at least one other side wall of the flexible housing sealed together, the sealed structure including an outer edge of the flexible housing, wherein the pull tab includes a part of the outer edge, the part of the outer edge of the pull tab being completely separated from a remainder of the sealed structure or frangibly connected to the front side wall, and / or wherein the front side wall includes a tab window defined by an inner edge and the pull tab includes a distal edge, wherein the inner edge surrounds the pull tab, including the distal edge.

3. Flexible casing, according to claim 2, CHARACTERIZED in that the strip body is defined between the frangible lines of the upper flange, and / or in that the upper flange is sealed to the front side wall and has a frayed edge exposed to the access opening and / or in that the front and rear side walls are sealed to each other with the upper flange between them, wherein a detachable material extends between the rear side wall and at least the strip body of the upper flange, the detachable material allowing the strip body to separate from the rear side wall while the front and rear side walls remain sealed to each other.

4. Flexible enclosure, according to claim 2, CHARACTERIZED in that the flexible enclosure includes a sealed structure extending along a perimeter of the flexible enclosure, the sealed structure including the front side wall and at least one other side wall of the flexible enclosure sealed together, wherein the pull tab is formed by a portion of the sealed structure, the sealed structure being wider along a first section of the sealed structure that includes the tab window compared to a second section of the sealed structure that is opposite the first section.

5. Resealable assembly for joining first and second opposite side walls of a flexible casing, the resealable assembly CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises: first and second zipper segments configured to couple to the first and second side walls, respectively, the first and second zipper segments being coupleable to each other to enclose the product within an internal cavity and releaseable from each other, the first zipper segment including an upper flange; and wherein the upper flange forms an elongated strip body that is configured to extend along the first side wall, the strip body being defined by at least one frangible line of the upper flange, wherein the strip body is configured to separate from the upper flange and form an access opening through the first side wall when the strip body is pulled by a user away from the first side wall.

6. Resealable assembly, according to claim 5, CHARACTERIZED in that it further comprises a detachable material extending along at least the body of the upper flange strip, the detachable material being configured to allow the strip body to separate from the second side wall while the first and second side walls remain sealed together, and / or wherein the strip body is defined between at least two frangible lines, Petition 870250082213, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, page 52 / 55 4 / 5 wherein the strip body divides the upper flange into two flange sections when pulled by a user away from the first side wall, and / or wherein the upper flange is shaped to form a pull tab attached to one end of the strip body, wherein the pull tab and the strip body form at least a portion of a tear strip of the flexible casing.

7. Resealable assembly, according to claim 6, CHARACTERIZED in that the detachable material comprises at least one of polybutylene or polyethylene.

8. Method, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it comprises: providing a continuous sheet of flexible material, the continuous sheet having first zipper segments, second zipper segments and elongated strip bodies extending along the corresponding first zipper segments; separating a closure sheet from the continuous sheet, the closure sheet including at least one first zipper segment and a second zipper segment and an elongated strip body extending along the first zipper segment; folding the closure sheet so that the first zipper segment and the second zipper segment are aligned with each other, wherein the closure sheet, when folded, forms a first side wall with the first zipper segment and the strip body and forms a second side wall with the second zipper segment;and form a cutout through the first side wall, the cutout defining a pull tab attached to one end of the strip body, the pull tab and the strip body forming at least a portion of a tear strip of a flexible closure that is configured to form an access opening through the first side wall. Petition 870250082213, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, pp. 53 / 55 5 / 5; 9. Method according to claim 8, CHARACTERIZED in that the first zipper segment includes an upper flange extending along the first sidewall, the strip body defining a portion of the upper flange, the strip body separating from the upper flange when the pull tab is pulled away from the first sidewall, and / or in that the cutout formation includes the definition of the pull tab, the pull tab including molded material from a portion of the upper flange, and / or in that the first zipper segment and the strip body are portions of a common shape piece, the method further comprising the formation of at least two frangible lines to define the strip body.

10. Method according to claim 9, CHARACTERIZED in that it further comprises: sealing the first side wall and the second side wall with the upper flange between them; and before sealing the first and second side walls, applying a layer of detachable material such that the detachable material is disposed between the upper flange and the second side wall, the detachable material configured to allow the strip body to separate from the second side wall while the first and second side walls remain sealed to each other. Petition 870250082213, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, pp. 54 / 55

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