MX2011007212A - Method and apparatus for a package with an easy open feature. - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus and method is provided to create a package with an easy open feature that has a fin seal spanning between opposing end seals. Flow-wrapping material utilized to form the package includes first and second opening feature portions. The first and second opening feature portions are disposed adjacent to opposing lateral edges of the flow-wrapping material. A plurality of laterally-disposed scribed lines are disposed at least partially with the first opening feature portion and a tear initiation element is disposed laterally aligned with the pluralyt of laterally-disposed scribed lines. The tear initiation element is disposed such that it is closer to the second opening feature portion than the first opening feature portion.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR A PACKAGING WITH ONE EASY OPENING FEATURE Countryside The invention relates in general to apparatuses and methods for creating a package (package) with an easy opening feature.

Background It is known in the art to wrap articles for sale. In a known package, a continuous flow film of wrapping material is manipulated around the articles and sealed to house individual (or multiple) items therein. This type of packing may include laterally disposed end seals and a fin seal extending between the end seals in the direction of the flow stream. The areas between the adjacent flow enveloped articles are then cut to form the final, separated packaged goods.

Such a package, using a traditional flow wrapping process, can be created on a commercial scale, but it can also be difficult to open. For example, a consumer may pull the sides of the package generally to separate one of the end seals, but undesirable to uncontrollable tearing may occur through one or more sides of the package when the applied force exceeds the seals of the end seal. This uncontrollable tearing can cause the package, undesirably, to be unable to close again and may even more undesirably spill the contents of the package.

A user can also open such a package by tearing down from an upper edge of the package. The user then directs the tear to an adjacent lateral edge of the package. However, this method can disadvantageously result in an opening that is too small for the contents of the package or that extends too far down the packing height, so that it is not possible to close the package or the contents of the packaging are spilled.

This type of packaging may also include a hanging hole designed to provide an opening in an upper seal of the package for hanging the package on display for sale. A consumer may open this type of packaging by initiating a tear at an edge of the hanging hole, but this method may also result in an uncontrollable and undesirable tear through the middle part of the package. Force is required to overcome the edge of the hanging hole, which can be reinforced due to the formation process of the hanging hole, and when the edge breaks, the resulting tear will propagate in the direction of the force, which can not be in a desirable direction, such as generally up or down along the package.

Brief Description of the Drawings The above needs are at least partially met by the provision of the method and apparatus for wrapping a plastic container described in the following detailed description, particularly when studied in conjunction with the drawings, where: Figure 1 comprises a perspective view of a package as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; Figure 2 comprises a perspective view of an open package as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; Figure 3 comprises a sectional view of an opening feature arranged in a package as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; Figure 4 comprises a cross-sectional view of an opening feature arranged in a package as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; Figure 5 comprises a front elevation view of an opening feature disposed in a web of material as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; Figure 6 comprises a front elevation view of an opening feature disposed in a web of material as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; Figure 7 comprises a front elevation view of an opening feature arranged in a web of material as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; Figure 8 comprises a front elevation view of an opening feature disposed in a web of material as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; Figure 9 comprises a front elevation view of an opening feature disposed in a web of material as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; Figure 10 comprises a front elevation view of an opening feature arranged in a web of material as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; Y Figure 11 comprises a perspective view in sections, amplified, of an opening feature arranged in a package as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the elements in the figures of the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions and / or the relative placement of some of the elements of the figures of the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve the understanding of various embodiments of the present invention. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not outlined in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments. It will be further appreciated that certain actions and / or certain steps may be described or outlined in a particular order of occurrence while those skilled in the art understand that such specificity with respect to the sequence is not required. It will also be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have an ordinary technical meaning as given to such terms and expressions by those skilled in the art in the technical field set forth above except where specific specific meanings have been noted otherwise in the present.

Detailed description In general terms, in accordance with these various approaches, apparatuses and methods provided herein describe a package configured for a controlled opening using an opening feature, various forms of which are illustrated in Figures 1-11. Exemplary forms disclosed herein include an easy-open feature configured to facilitate opening of a gasket having a longitudinal fin seal that spans between opposite end seals. The easy opening feature is disposed at least partially within one or more of the packing seals to allow a user to more easily tear through the seal area when the package is opened to remove a portion of the package.

In one approach, the opening feature includes a plurality of traced lines, created for example by means of a laser, to facilitate tearing through the package, and specifically to facilitate tearing through the flap seal of the package. The fin seal is formed by sealing together opposite portions of the side edge of a web of material. The plurality of drawn lines is formed on at least one of the lateral edges such that at least two lines of the plurality of drawn lines extend from the fin seal at least slightly on a wall of the package forming a sealed body. A second plurality of drawn lines may optionally be disposed on the other of the side edges, so that the lines are generally aligned with the creation of the fin seal.

For many (if not most) application parameters, it may be appropriate to further include a tear initiation element to the opening feature configured to provide the user with a convenient tear start point to open the package. In one form, the tear initiation element includes a scored or scored line or a notch that contacts or is positioned at an edge of the package and is generally aligned with the plurality of lines traced laterally through the package. Thus positioned, a tear initiated in the tear start element can propagate laterally through the package to form an intersection with the plurality of traced lines, which then facilitates tearing through the flap seal. The tear initiation element is disposed in the sealed body of the package, and to preserve the integrity of the package, the tear initiation element preferably does not compromise the integrity of the seal, such as not fully extending through the packaging material or sealing the edges of the notch or creating a sealed portion within which the notch is formed.

In a further approach, the fin seal is folded after formation, which produces an internal fin seal wall adjacent to the sealed package body and an outer fin seal wall. In this form, the plurality of drawn lines is disposed on the inner wall of the fin seal, with at least two lines of the plurality of drawn lines extending at least slightly above the wall of the sealed body. The tear initiation element contacts or is placed on an edge of the gasket adjacent to the outer fin seal wall. Thus configured, a tear may be initiated on one side of a package and the plurality of drawn lines may facilitate tearing through the flap seal wall on the other side of the package.

Thus configured, an article, such as a food product, can be disposed and sealed economically and efficiently within a package having the opening feature described herein to thereby provide a new design configuration that allows a consumer to open easily, reliably and consistently packing while exerting a force substantially less than that required to tear through an otherwise intact fin seal. The opening feature allows an upper portion of the package to be easily removed to provide full access to the items within the package. This can create a good reputation with consumers by increasing the ease and ability to predict usage. It can further increase the good reputation by avoiding uncontrollable tears through the packaging that impact the ability of the packaging to close and / or spill the contents of the packaging and avoiding openings that are inconvenient or of inconvenient size. The easy opening package described herein may provide the same protection to the wrapped article provided by traditional packages, such as an item that requires a herthetic seal. These teachings can be implemented using existing deployed technology and thus can greatly leverage the value and use of such equipment. These teachings can also be easily scaled to accommodate single or multiple portions, and varying sizes of articles.

These teachings will provide an apparatus for creating a package with an easy-open feature, as described herein, while also being able to support advertising or the like, and create brand recognition while still providing the protection of a sealed package. .

These and other benefits can become clearer after thorough review and study of the following detailed description. Referring now to Figures 1-5, there is illustrated an exemplary package 100 formed from a web 104 of flexible material, such as flow wrapping material.

The package 100 described herein includes a fin seal 102 longitudinally disposed between and generally transverse to opposite end seals 106. The weft 104 includes two side edge portions 114 that are used to form the fin seal 102 that extends longitudinally along the package 100. The seals 102, 106 combine to form a sealed inner portion 107 of the package 100. package 100 further includes an opening feature 110 configured to facilitate opening of the package. These teachings are generally applicable for use with a product or article 108, which can be formed of any material, including, for example, plastic, metal, organic material, or some combination thereof. An exemplary product is a food article. For purposes of illustration, but without intending to suggest any limitation with respect to these teachings, this food article will be assumed to comprise a food product, such as peanuts, which may be introduced or otherwise deposited in the package 100 during its formation.

The opening feature 110 includes a plurality of drawn lines 112 contained within a first opening feature portion 113 disposed at least partially within one of the side edge portions 114 of the frame 104. These drawn lines 112 are shown as solid lines in figure 3. However, the opening feature 110 may be expanded to include three, four, five or more lines 122 disposed within the first opening feature portion 113. Lines 122 in excess of two within of the first opening feature portion 113 are shown as broken lines in Figure 3. These optional lines 122 provide a user with a greater longitudinal range over which to open the package 100 and still benefit from the ease of use provided by the feature. opening 110. Additional lines 122 also provide a larger objective for a tear initiated in any another place in the package 100 and propagating towards the fin seal 102. In addition, the drawn lines 102, 122 may be separated from the side edges 116 of the frame 104 by means of bridge portions 118. The bridge portions 118 act to reduce the rupture of the weft 104 due to the drawn lines 112, 122, when the material is fed through the machinery, transported, handled and so on.

In another approach, the opening feature 110 further includes a second set of drawn lines 123 contained within a second opening feature portion 117 disposed at least partially within the other side edge portion 114 of the frame 104. As shown in Figure 5, the second set of drawn lines 123 may include two or more lines to, for example, equalize the number of drawn lines 112, 122 provided in the first opening feature portion 113. Preferably, the second set of The traced lines 123 are arranged such that after the fin seal 102 is formed, they generally overlap the first and second opening feature portions 113, 117.

As illustrated, the drawn lines 112, 122, 123 are generally transverse to a longitudinal axis L running the length of the package 100 in the feeding direction. Additionally, in this form, the drawn lines 112, 122, 123 are generally parallel and spaced apart in a range of about 1/16 to about 1/4 inch (1,587 to 6.35 mm). In one form, each of the traced lines 112, 122 may further be coaxial with lines in the second set of lines 123 traversed through the frame 104. Thus configured, an opening tear along one of the drawn lines 112, 122 would propagate generally transverse to the longitudinal axis L. Accordingly, in one approach, a user can grab the package 100 by the fin seal 102 and apply a separation force on the fin seal 102 in the area of the lines 112, 122, 123. Upon breaking of one or more of the bridge portions 118, the drawn lines 112, 122, 123 are separated and / or generally direct an opening tear laterally through the packing 100 to remove an upper portion 115 from the 100 packaging.

In one form, the portions of the drawn lines 112, 122, 123 spaced apart from the edges of the fin seal 102 may extend through the weft 104 because cutting through the fin seal 102 will not compromise the integrity of the sealed interior 100. In another form, the drawn lines 112, 122, 123 are marked or fluted and may have a depth of between about 20 and about 90%, preferably between about 60 and about 80%, and with greater preference around 70% of the thickness of the film or laminate of the package. In one approach, the drawn lines 112, 122, 123 can be formed into a multi-layered material and, if marked or scored, the lines do not extend through all layers of the multi-layered material. Preferably, the drawn lines do not penetrate through a barrier material of the package 100.

The drawn lines can be formed by any suitable mechanism, including, for example, a laser, a die, a rotating die, or the like. The drawn lines 112, 122, 123 may be formed in the material web 102 prior to the formation of the package 100, during the formation of the package 100, or after the formation of the package 100, as desired. In one example, they are formed using a laser Rofin with 300 watt laser heads. Additionally, in one approach, the web 104 is a non-metallized laminate. In the case of using a laser to mark or score the web 104, a non-metallized film or laminate requires greater laser control because the material lacks a metal layer, which would prevent the action of the laser in another way.

In a preferred approach and now referring to Figures 6-11, the opening feature 110 includes a tear initiation element 130, various examples of which are illustrated. Each tear initiation element 130 includes an intermediate structure to the side edge portions 114 in the frame 104 which allows a user to more easily initiate an opening tear laterally through the package 100. These tear start elements 130 are disposed at least partially in or on the sealed portion 107 of the package 100 and therefore require a structure that maintains the seal intact, such as only weakening the packing material or sealing around a cut through the packing material.

As shown in Figure 4, in one form, the tear initiation element 130 may use marking or flute not extending all the way through the weft 104. In this form, the tear start member 130 includes a scored or scored line 132 positioned in the frame 104 so that after the package 100 is formed, the scored or scored line 132 contacts a side edge 134 of the package 100. Preferably, the scored or scored line 132 is extends on the side edge 134 and is generally transverse to the longitudinal axis L of the pack 100, so that the scored or scored line 132 is generally coincident with itself on each side of the side edge 134. The scored or scored line 132 may be the range of about 1/4 in (about 0.635 cm) to about 1 in (about 2.54 cm), and preferably about ¼ in (about 1.27 cm).

As discussed above, the fin seal 102 can be bent so that a lower fin seal wall 125 lies adjacent to the sealed portion 107 of the gasket 100 and a fin seal upper wall 127 generally faces outwardly of the gasket 100. In one form, and as best shown in Figure 4, the drawn lines 112, 122 are preferably partially arranged in the bottom wall 125 of the flap seal 102 and extend at least partially in the sealed portion 107 of the gasket 100. Preferably, the scored or scored line 132 is disposed on the side edge 134 of the package 100 so that the flap seal 102 is bent outwardly. Thus positioned, a tear initiated in the scored or scored line 132 would travel transversely through the package 100 and propagate through the upper flap seal wall 127. Advantageously, the drawn lines 112, 122 disposed in the lower wall 125 of the fin seal 102 facilitate transferring the opening tear from the upper wall 127 to the lower wall 125. Thus configured, the opening tear easily separates the seal from flap 102 along traced lines 112, 122 without having to alter the fold position of flap seal 102 and remove top portion 115 from gasket 100.

In another approach, as shown in Figure 4, a scored or scored line 136 may be arranged so that the line 136 contacts the other side edge 134 of the package 100. As mentioned above with respect to the first marked line or grooved 132, preferably, the second scored or scored line 136 extends over the lateral edge 134 and is generally transverse to the longitudinal axis L of the package, so that the second scored or scored line 136 is generally coincident with itself on each side of the lateral edge. 134. In this form, the package 100 may then further include the second set of marked or traced lines 123 partially arranged in the upper wall 127 of the flap seal which extends partially into the sealed portion 107 of the package 100. In this approach, a user would not have to look for the side edge 134 containing the single scored or scored line 132, instead of being able to open the package 100 from each side edge 134 and still receive the benefit of the lines drawn on one side of the fin seal opposite of the tear path.

In another form as illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, one or both of the drawn lines 112 may be extended to be a dashed or broken line 200 broken or broken transversely across the package 100. The scored or fluted lines 200 broken may extend through the central portion of the frame 104 to join lines in the second set of drawn lines 123 or, alternatively, may terminate before forming an intersection with the second opening feature portion 117. The figure 7 illustrates the example where one of the drawn lines 112 includes the dashed or scored line 200 discontinuous and Figure 6 illustrates the example where both the drawn lines 112 include the dashed or scored line 200 discontinuous. However, the dashed or dotted line 200 may also be included with the additional dashed lines 122 to form three or more dashed lines through the package 100. In another approach, a single or multiple dotted or striated 200 discontinuous lines may be slightly displaced from the drawn lines 112, 122, 123.

Similarly, as illustrated in Figures 9 and 10, one or both of the drawn lines 112 may be extended to be a continuous scored or scored line 300 extending transversely through the package 100. The scored or scored line continuous 300 may extend through the central portion of the frame 104 to join with the lines in the second set of traced lines 123 or alternatively may terminate before forming an intersection with the second opening feature portion 117. The line marked or grooved 300 continuous may also be included with the additional traced lines 122 to form three or more continuous lines through the pack 100. In another approach, scored or scored lines 200, continuous, single or multiple, may extend through the central portion of the frame 104 slightly offset from the drawn lines 112, 122, 123.

In the shapes illustrated in Figures 7-10, a user can grab the package 100 virtually anywhere along the perimeter of the package at a level height with the line (s) 200, 300, either ( n) continuous (s) or discontinuáis), and apply a separation force to open the package 100 along the line 200, 300. The line 200, 300 advantageously directs an opening tear to the drawn lines 112 and the optional drawn lines 122, 123, if included, on the fin seal 102, which then facilitates tearing through the fin seal 102.

Another form for tear initiation element 130 is illustrated in Figure 11. In this form, tear initiation element 130 includes a notch 400 cut from or formed in or adjacent lateral edge 134 of package 100. Similarly As discussed above, when the fin seal 102 is bent and the drawn lines 112, 122 are partially arranged in the lower fin seal wall 125, the notch 400 is preferably placed on the side edge 134 of the packing 100 that the flap seal 102 bending away. The notch 400 may take any suitable form of tear initiation, including, for example, generally triangular, generally circular, or other regular or irregular polygons, curved lines, or combinations thereof. Because the notch 400 is formed on the sealed portion 107 of the gasket 100, in an approach the sides 402 of the notch 400 are sealed to preserve the integrity of the sealed gasket 100. For example, a hot cutting tool or laser can be used to cut the notch 400 so that the heat used to cut the notch 400 also seals the cut edges together. In another approach, a sealed region 404 is disposed about a portion of the side edge 134 of the gasket 100. The groove 400 can then be formed in this sealed region 404, so that forming the notch 400 does not compromise the sealed portion 107 of the gasket. 100 As discussed above with respect to the scored or scored line 132, preferably the notch 400 is generally transversely aligned with the drawn lines 112, 122 so that a tear initiated in the groove 400 propagates laterally through the packing 100 to the drawn lines 112, 122 so that the tear can separate the upper portion 115 of the package 100 more easily. The benefit provided by having two or more lines drawn is that a tear that deviates slightly from the perpendicular with the edge 135 of the package will still form an intersection with a line drawn on the flap seal 102.

In another approach and as shown in FIG. 6 in broken lines, a second notch 406 may be disposed in the other side edge 134 of the gasket 100 that functions and is created in a manner similar to the notch 400 discussed above. In this form, the package 100 can then include the second set of traced lines 123 partially arranged in the upper wall 127 of the flap seal 102 partially extending to the sealed portion 107 of the package 100. In this approach, a user can open the package 100 from each lateral edge 134 and still receive the benefit of the lines drawn on the opposite side of the fin seal 102 to facilitate tearing through the fin seal 102.

The fin seal 102 and the opposite end seals 106 are created using a suitable adhesive or technique to create a cold seal, a positive seal, or an induction seal, as desired. After the opening feature 110 is formed in the weft 104 and the adhesive is applied, the package 100 is formed. In one approach, the package 100 is formed using vertical, fill and seal machinery. In this process, the weft 104 is formed into a tubular shape by manipulating the weft 104 about the longitudinal axis L in the feeding direction so that the side edge portions 114 are generally aligned. Once aligned, pressure is applied to the side edge portions 114, thereby pressing the adhesive on these opposite surfaces together to longitudinally seal the gasket 100 and form the flap seal 102. In one approach, the opening feature portions 113 , 117 are at least partially aligned in the fin seal 102, and if used, preferably the second set of traced lines 123 is generally aligned with the drawn lines 112, 122 in the first opening feature portion 113 after the fin seal formation 102. Even if the drawn lines 112, 122, 123 are slightly offset from each other, nevertheless a tear propagating through the fin seal 102 in the area of the opening feature 110 will find a trajectory of less resistance and will use one of the drawn lines 112, 122, 123 to tear more easily through the fin seal 102. This is a benefit contributed by using two or more of the lines drawn 112, 122, 123.

A similar process is carried out to create one of the end seals 106. Due to the tubular shape, the weft 104 is bent in the area of the end seals 106. Accordingly, applying pressure along a transverse line to the fin seal 102 forms the end seal 106 and partially forms an inner cavity 120 of the package. The other end seal 106 has not yet been created so that the inner cavity 120 is left open to receive the food product 108. After the food product 108 is deposited in the inner cavity 120 of the package 100, the other is created of end seals 106 in a manner similar to that described above.

An alternative process forms the package 100 around the food product 108, such as within a process of horizontal, filling and sealing. In such a process, when the food product is transported horizontally 108, the weft 104 is manipulated around the food product 108 and the fin seal 102 is formed, surrounding the food product 108 within the formed tubular packing. The end seals 106 are then formed and cut on each side of the food product 108 by suitable mechanisms, such as rotary dies or dies. The combination of the end seals 106 and the flap seal 102 creates a hermetically sealed package 100, which can be used to store, transport and display the food product 108 for sale. Although generally continuous manufacturing processes are described, the processes can be discontinuous, with some of the steps occurring in different equipment or even in different facilities. For example, pre-formed pouches can be produced which can be filled from an open end, and which can then be sealed.

As discussed above, the package 100 can be formed as part of a generally continuous manufacturing process using form, fill and seal machinery, including a vertical or horizontal process. This process uses a continuous roll of weft film which is then transformed into individual wefts 104 to form the package 100. Due to the various conveyors and feed rolls, twisting and tensile force are applied to the weft during the process of forming the weft. package 100. The bridge portions 118 that separate the drawn lines 112, 122, 123 from the side edges 116 of the package 100 minimize or prevent these forces from separating the drawn lines 112, 122, 123 and / or create an undesirable tear through of 100 packaging during processing.

In an exemplary package 100, the weft 104 is a flexible, multilayer, non-metallized material, including materials such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), which may or may not be oriented, linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) and / or polyethylene (PE). In this example, the weft 104 has a width of about 5 3/8 in (about 13.65 cm) and the fin seal has a width of about 7/8 in (about 2.22 cm). The drawn lines 112, 122 may then be in the range of approximately 1/4 in (approximately 0.635 cm) to approximately 3/4 in (approximately 1,905 cm), and the bridge portion may be in the range of approximately 1/16 in (approximately 0.1588 cm) to approximately 1/4 in (approximately 0.635 cm). Additionally, packages are commonly formed so that there is a given amount of head space 131 on the product 108. Accordingly, the drawn lines 112, 122 are preferably located on the flap seal 102 at a height that is aligned laterally with a portion of the headspace 131 so that the package 100 is not opened in an area that stores the food product 108. In this example, the drawn lines 112, 122 are spaced from the upper edge 133 of the package 100 in the range from about ½ in (about 1.27 cm) to 1 ½ in (3.81 cm), and preferably about 1 in (about 2.54 cm).

In this example, the drawn lines 112, 122, 123 can be marked or scored. The marks or striations may have a width in the range of about 50 to about 300 microns and a depth as described above. The traced lines 112, 122, 123 can be formed by a laser while the corresponding machinery holds the material with a tension force of between about 5 and about 15 ft-lb / in, and more preferably between about 8 and around 11 ft-lb / in.

However, a person skilled in the art will recognize that the process described above can be carried out in any combination of steps and at different times. For example, marked or fluted and / or drawn lines can be created before running the material in the packaging forming machine or can be formed in line. Similarly, tear initiation elements may be formed in the material prior to package formation, during package formation, or after package formation.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of modifications, alterations and combinations can be made with respect to the embodiments described above without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and that such modifications, alterations and combinations should be seen as being within the scope of the inventive concept. For example, the method and the apparatus have been described above using the opening feature in the flap seal of the package; however, the teachings herein may be applied equally to the end seals of a package, which may include arranging the lines drawn on each end seal so that a side edge of the package can be easily removed. Additionally, a package formed from a single web of material is described; however, a package can also be formed from two webs of matter having upper, lower and two side edge seals. In this package, the opening feature can be arranged in any combination of the seals to remove a portion of the package more easily.

Claims (25)

1. An apparatus, comprising: flow wrapping material configured to be arranged around an article to form a package having a flap seal spanning between opposite end seals, the flow wrapping material having first and second opening feature portions disposed adjacent to each other. opposite side edges of the flow wrapping material; a plurality of laterally arranged traced lines, at least partially disposed within the first opening feature portion; Y a tear initiation element disposed on or in the flow wrapping material laterally aligned with the plurality of traced lines disposed laterally and closer to the first opening feature portion than the second opening feature portion.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of traced lines arranged laterally does not intersect the side edges of the wrapping material by flow.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of laterally arranged drawn lines extends at least slightly from the flap seal to a sealed portion of the package.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the tear initiation element is disposed in the sealed portion of the package.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tear initiation element is disposed in the wrapping material by flow so that after packing is formed, the tear start member at least contacts a wrapping edge.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flow wrapping material comprises a multi-layer material and the plurality of laterally arranged drawn lines does not extend through all the layers of the multi-layer material.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the tear initiation element comprises at least one laterally disposed scored or scored line which is laterally intermediate with respect to the opening feature portions.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein at least one line of the plurality of marked or scored laterally disposed lines is located such that the at least one scored or scored line laterally disposed is at least partially coincident with itself on both sides of the packing edge. .

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tear initiation element comprises at least one discontinuous scored or scored line extending between the opening feature portions.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tear initiation element comprises a notch formed through the flow wrapping material.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of traced lines arranged laterally comprises three generally parallel drawn lines, arranged laterally.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of laterally arranged drawn lines comprises five generally parallel drawn lines arranged laterally.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a second plurality of laterally arranged traced lines disposed at least partially within the second opening feature portion.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the plurality of traced lines arranged laterally is at least substantially co-axial with the second plurality of drawn lines arranged laterally.

15. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a second tear initiation element disposed in the flow wrapping material, wherein the first and second tear start elements are separated from each other and disposed in the wrapping material by way of flow. that after the formation of the package the first and second tear start elements make contact, each one, with an edge of the package.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flow wrapping material comprises a non-metallized material.

17. An apparatus, comprising: flow wrapping material configured to be arranged around an article to form a package having a flap seal spanning between opposite end seals, the flow wrapping material having opposite side edges, each side edge having a characteristic portion opening adjacent to it; first and second pluralities of laterally arranged traced lines, disposed at least partially within the opening feature portions, respectively, where the plurality of laterally arranged traced lines does not extend to an adjacent lateral edge of the flow wrapping material; Y wherein the flow wrapping material is configured to be manipulated along a longitudinal axis thereof so that the side edges generally overlap to form the fin seal and where the opening feature portions overlap at least partially within the seal of fin.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein at least a portion of at least one line of the plurality of laterally disposed drawn lines extends fully through the flow wrapping material.

19. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising at least one tear initiation element disposed in the wrapping material by flow so that after the formation of the package the tear start member at least makes contact with an edge of the package, the tear initiation element being generally aligned laterally with and intermediate with respect to the first and second plurality of drawn lines arranged laterally.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the tear initiation element comprises at least one laterally disposed scored or scored line that is laterally intermediate to the opening feature portions and is positioned such that the laterally marked or scored line makes contact with an edge of the packaging.

21. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the tear initiation element comprises at least one notch that is laterally intermediate with respect to the opening feature portions and is located such that the at least one notch contacts one edge of the package.

22. A package, comprising: flow wrapping material disposed about an article to form a fin seal that spans between opposite end seals, the flow wrapping material having opposite side edges, each side edge having an opening feature portion adjacent thereto; first and second pluralities of laterally arranged traced lines, disposed at least partially within the opening feature portions, respectively, where the plurality of laterally arranged traced lines does not extend to an adjacent lateral edge of the flow wrapping material; Y where the side edges generally overlap to form a fin seal and where the opening feature portions overlap at least partially within the fin seal.

23. A method for forming a package having an opening characteristic, the method comprising: providing a web of material having opposite side edge portions having at least two drawn lines arranged laterally in at least one of the side edge portions of the web of material and a tear start element disposed in the web of material, way of being aligned with the at least two drawn lines arranged laterally and intermediate with respect to the lateral edge portions; manipulate the web of material generally in half so that the side edge portions are generally aligned; sealing together the side edge portions to form a fin seal, the at least two laterally arranged drawn lines disposed at least partially within the fin seal.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein providing the web of material further comprises providing a web of material having at least two lines arranged laterally on each of the side edge portions of the web of material.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein manipulating the web of material generally halved so that the side edge portions are aligned generally comprises manipulating the web of material generally halved so that at least two lines disposed laterally in the portions of lateral edge generally overlap each other.