Flexible package having an easy opening feature

• Main Authors: CLARK JAMES J.JR, MAXTON JACQUELINE M, HANSON KIM A, HEYRMAN SHEILA M
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 02.02.2006
• Subjects: ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS,e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES,DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; CONVEYING; DIAGNOSIS; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL; HUMAN NECESSITIES; HYGIENE; IDENTIFICATION; MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; PACKAGES; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKING; PERFORMING OPERATIONS; STORING; SURGERY; TRANSPORTING

A flexible package is disclosed having an easy opening feature. The opening feature includes a gusset formed in at least one side wall. The gusset is aligned inward of the side wall and forms a pocket having an internal panel and an external panel. An aperture is formed through the external panel and is sized to receive at least one human finger. The package also has a line of weakness formed in the side wall containing the external panel with the aperture formed therethrough. The line of weakness has two portions, each located on an opposite side of the aperture and each extending from the first end of the gusset to a point spaced apart therefrom. The line of weakness also has a third portion which extends across the side wall and connects with the first two portions of the line of weakness. The combination of the gusset, the aperture and the line of weakness create a structure which allows the package to be easily opened.