Easy-open package
First Claim
1. An easy-open reusable packaging container comprising:
- a rigid or semi-rigid tray comprising a bottom and at least one side wall which forms at least one recessed product-receiving compartment, and a flange extending around said tray which forms distal edges of said container;
a lidding film affixed to said flange which forms a peelable/resealable heat-seal extending around said product-receiving compartment and said distal edges of said container; and
an easy-open member positioned between said product-receiving compartment and said distal edges of said container, and comprising;
a frangible portion of said lidding film which forms a tab member when punctured to provide a means for removing said lidding film from said flange and gaining access to said product-receiving compartment;
wherein said easy-open member further comprises a first line of weakness in said frangible portion of said lidding film extending from a first distal edge of said container to a point of intersection with a second line of weakness in said frangible portion of said lidding film extending from an adjacent second distal edge of said container to said point of intersection with said first line of weakness thereby forming a first portion of said lidding film which remains affixed to said package and a second portion of said lidding film which is removable from one distal edge to an opposing second distal edge of said container without further tearing of said lidding film other than tearing that occurs along the first and second lines of weakness.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A rigid or semi-rigid tray is provided, including a bottom and at least one side wall which forms at least one recessed product-receiving compartment, and a flange extending around the tray which forms distal edges of the container. The tray further includes a lidding film affixed to the flange which forms a peelable heat-seal extending around the product-receiving compartment and the distal edges of the container, and an easy-open member positioned between the product-receiving compartment and the distal edges of the container. The easy-open member has a frangible portion of the lidding film which forms a tab member when punctured, for example by the force of a human finger, to provide a means for removing the lidding film from the flange and gaining access to the product-receiving compartment.
28 Citations
22 Claims
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1. An easy-open reusable packaging container comprising:
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a rigid or semi-rigid tray comprising a bottom and at least one side wall which forms at least one recessed product-receiving compartment, and a flange extending around said tray which forms distal edges of said container; a lidding film affixed to said flange which forms a peelable/resealable heat-seal extending around said product-receiving compartment and said distal edges of said container; and an easy-open member positioned between said product-receiving compartment and said distal edges of said container, and comprising; a frangible portion of said lidding film which forms a tab member when punctured to provide a means for removing said lidding film from said flange and gaining access to said product-receiving compartment; wherein said easy-open member further comprises a first line of weakness in said frangible portion of said lidding film extending from a first distal edge of said container to a point of intersection with a second line of weakness in said frangible portion of said lidding film extending from an adjacent second distal edge of said container to said point of intersection with said first line of weakness thereby forming a first portion of said lidding film which remains affixed to said package and a second portion of said lidding film which is removable from one distal edge to an opposing second distal edge of said container without further tearing of said lidding film other than tearing that occurs along the first and second lines of weakness. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. An easy-open packaging container comprising:
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a rigid or semi-rigid tray comprising a bottom and at least one side wall which forms at least one recessed product-receiving compartment, and a flange extending around said tray which forms distal edges of said container; a lidding film affixed to said flange which forms a peelable heat-seal extending around said product-receiving compartment and said distal edges of said container; and an easy-open member positioned between said product-receiving compartment and said distal edges of said container, and comprising; a frangible portion of said lidding film unsealed to said flange and an aperture in said flange positioned below said frangible portion of said lidding film; wherein said frangible portion of said lidding film forms a tab member when punctured to provide a means for removing said lidding film from said flange and gaining access to said at least one recessed product-receiving compartment; wherein said easy-open member further comprises a first line of weakness in said frangible portion of said lidding film extending from a first distal edge of said container to point of intersection with second line of weakness in said frangible portion of said lidding film extending from an adjacent second distal edge of said container to said point of intersection with said first line of weakness thereby forming a first portion of said lidding film which remains affixed to said package and a second portion of said lidding film which is removable from one distal edge to an opposing second distal edge of said container without further tearing of said lidding film other than tearing that occurs along the first and second lines of weakness. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification