Tear-away package opening

• US 6,446,860 B1
• Filed: 03/06/2000
• Issued: 09/10/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 04/04/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: SIG Combibloc Inc. (SIG Group AG)
• Original Assignee: SIG Combibloc Inc. (SIG Group AG)
• Inventors: Robichaud, Arthur W.
• Primary Examiner(s): Elkins, Gary E.
• Application Number:
  US09/519,508
• Time in Patent Office: 918 Days
• Field of Search: 229/206, 229/216, 229/235, 229/237, 229/241, 229/242, 493/63, 493/73, 493/110, 493/148, 493/372
• US Class Current: 229/216
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 5/065 with supplemental means facilitating the opening, e.g. tear lines, tear tabs

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a package having a tear-away opening. The package comprises an outer substrate layer, an inner aseptic layer secured to the outer substrate layer, and a cut in the outer substrate layer. In order to preserve the product in the package, the cut is of a predetermined depth such that the cut does not puncture the inner aseptic layer. The cut, however, is sufficiently deep so that a predetermined portion of the package may be torn off at the cut. The present invention also includes methods for manufacturing and opening a package having a tear-away opening. The method for manufacturing a package having a tear-away opening generally includes the steps of providing an outer substrate layer, securing an inner aseptic layer to the outer substrate layer, making a cut of predetermined depth in the outer substrate layer such that the cut does not puncture the inner aseptic layer, and then forming a package. After the package has been formed, a predetermined portion of the package may be torn away at the cut. The method for opening a package having a tear-away opening is initiated by extending a flap from a side of the package. After the flap is extended, at least a portion of a joint is extended from the top and the flap. At least a portion of the top is then moved in a direction away from the bottom of the package. After the top is moved, a predetermined portion of the package may be torn off at the cut.

Claims

1. A package for containing a pourable substance, said package comprising:

a top face and a bottom face connected by at least one side, said top face being substantially planar when said package is in a closed position, said top face, said bottom face and said at least one side formed from a material having an outer substrate layer and an inner layer secured thereto;

a flap of said material connecting said at least one side and said top face of said package, said flap extending outward beyond said at least one side;

a cut in said outer substrate layer of said flap and said top face, such that said cut does not puncture said inner layer;

whereby a predetermined portion of said flap and said top face of said package is adapted to be torn off at said cut, thereby providing an opening through which said pourable substance in said package may be dispensed; and

whereby said package will retain said pourable substance therein while being rested on said bottom face after said predetermined portion has been torn off.

2. The package of claim 1 wherein said inner layer includes an oxygen barrier layer which substantially prevents the transmission of oxygen through said package.

3. The package of claim 1 wherein said inner layer includes a photic barrier layer which substantially controls light transmission through said package.

4. The package of claim 1 wherein said cut has a predetermined shape such that a pouring spout is created when said predetermined portion of said package is torn off at said cut.

5. The package of claim 1 wherein said cut is a perforated cut.

6. The package of claim 1 wherein said cut is a laser cut.

7. The package of claim 1 wherein said outer substrate layer includes a paperboard layer.

8. The package of claim 1, wherein said inner layer is aseptic.

9. A method for manufacturing a package having a tear-away opening, said method comprising:

providing a material having an outer substrate layer and an inner layer secured thereto;

making a cut in a predetermined portion of said outer substrate layer such that said cut does not puncture said inner layer; and

forming said package to have a bottom face and a top face connected by at least one side, said top face being substantially planar when said package is in a closed position, said package further having at least one flap connecting said top face and said at least one side;

wherein said cut allows a predetermined portion of both said flap and said top face to be torn off of said package, thereby providing an opening through which a product in said package may be dispensed; and

wherein said package is adapted to substantially retain said product while being rested on said bottom after said predetermined portion of said flap and said top face has been torn off.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein said inner layer includes an oxygen barrier layer which substantially prevents the transmission of oxygen through said package.

11. The method of claim 9 wherein said inner layer includes a photic barrier layer which substantially controls light transmission through said package.

12. The method of claim 9 wherein said cut does not penetrate said inner layer.

13. The method of claim 9 wherein said cut has a predetermined shape such that a pouring spout is created when said predetermined portion of said package is torn off at said cut.

14. The method of claim 9 wherein said cut is a scored cut.

15. The method of claim 9 wherein said cut is made by a laser.

16. The method of claim 9 wherein said outer substrate layer includes a paperboard layer.

17. The method of claim 9, wherein said inner layer is aseptic.