RU2574489C2 - Re-sealed flexible package and methods of its manufacture - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: packaging industry.

SUBSTANCE: package comprises a flexible film 12 determining an internal space for the contents and having a first pair of opposite edge portions forming the first 26 seal, a second pair of opposite edge portions forming the second 28 seal, and a third pair of opposite edge portions forming the longitudinal 24 seal extending from the first seal to the second seal, the marks on the flexible film determining a hole 36 which leads into the internal space for the contents after initial opening, and an extended closure layer 14 extending along the third edge portions from the first seal to the second and above the marks. The package also comprises a self-adhesive material located between the film and the closure layer comprising non-adhesive gripping area 40 providing the disconnection of at least a portion of the closure layer from the film to form a hole leading into the internal space for the contents. The method of flow packaging products in a series of packages comprises marking on a portion of a continuous tape of flexible film using a self-adhesive material the application of the continuous closure layer along the longitudinal axis on a portion of the width of the tape, forming a continuous longitudinal seal from the first pair of opposite edges of the tape, forming a first seal from the second pair of opposite edges and the second seal from the second pair of opposing edges, and forming non-adhesive gripping area proximate one of the first and second seals. The laminate material for manufacturing packages comprises a continuous tape of flexible film, a continuous closure layer using a self-adhesive material applied on a part of the width of the tape along the longitudinal axis. At that, out of the tape and the closure layer a series of performs is formed, forming the package, on tape of each preform forming the package, the first marking is made, which subsequently forms a hole in the package when the closure layer is separated from the tape, and each preform comprises a non-adhesive gripping area, subsequently partially labelled with the second marking, in the transition area between adjacent preforms. The method of flow packaging products in a series of packages comprises feeding a continuous tape of the film, the longitudinal edges of which are spaced apart by a predetermined width, then the continuous closure layer is connected to the tape not across the predetermined width, the adhesive material is placed between the closure layer and the tape, the tape is labelled, corresponding the closure layer to designate a hole in the tape after initial opening as a result of removal of the closure layer. Then the packaged products are placed in a series of packages, the tape with the closure layer is wrapped around the products, the longitudinal seal is formed along the longitudinal edges, and the front and rear seals between the adjacent packages, where the closure layer extends from the front to the rear seal and between the longitudinal edges of the tape. In another embodiment, the flexible film package comprises a flexible film having two opposite edge portions forming the longitudinal seal extending from the first end seal to the second, the marks on the film to indicate the hole in the package after the initial opening, the extended closure layer extending along the edge portions from the first end seal to the second and over the marking, and the self-adhesive material located between the film and the closure layer. This closure layer comprises a non-adhesive gripping area to detach it from the film and opening the hole. The method of manufacturing the flexible package comprises marking on the portion of a continuous tape of the flexible film, application using the self-adhesive material of the continuous closure layer along the longitudinal axis on the portion of the width of the tape, forming a continuous longitudinal seal on the two opposite edges of the tape, forming a first and second end seals and a non-adhesive gripping area on the first end of the package.

EFFECT: ease of use and simplification of manufacturing.

54 cl, 69 dwg

Description

Related Applications

The priority of this application is based on provisional patent application US 61/345785, filed May 18, 2010, provisional patent application US 61/345778, filed May 18, 2010, and provisional patent application 61/453872, filed March 17, 2011 ., each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety in the present application.

Technical field

The present invention relates generally to flexible packaging, and more particularly, to flexible packaging having a resealable opening.

State of the art

Flexible packaging used for food products is well known in the art. Flexible films are able to provide lightweight packaging mainly with a tight seal for transporting and storing a variety of food products, including, for example, crackers, chewing gum, chocolate, cookies, cheese, sandwiches, biscuits, candies, meat products and dried fruits and vegetables. Some of these flexible film packages may also contain support structures such as a tray or tray.

One example of such flexible film packaging is in-line wrapping of packaging using a continuous film or tape that wraps the product during packaging or packaging. Packages made by in-line wrapping may include, for example, horizontal or vertical packs with a seam or lap seam connecting the ends, packings with an end seal, horizontal packagings such as a bag and a pillow. In one configuration, when packaging by in-line wrapping, a film such as polyethylene or polypropylene is placed near the product, the film is wrapped around the product, a seal is formed at the ends or edges of the film, and then seals are formed at both ends of the product. These seals may be permanent or may provide some structural integrity. Flexible film packaging also has other advantages. For example, they can be manufactured at significantly lower cost than rigid containers, are lightweight (which reduces transportation costs) and can reduce the space required for storage.

Despite the benefits of flexible film, it is sometimes difficult for consumers to open these packages. In addition, these packages often contain varying amounts of food, and the consumer may not want to consume the entire product at a time. Accordingly, it may be possible to reseal in order to allow users to easily and efficiently retain a portion of the food product for subsequent consumption. Although resealing may provide a partial barrier to moisture and gas due to the partially tight seal, it is not able to provide a complete tight seal and contribute to the preservation or freshness of the food product inside the package.

Flexible packaging that can be resealed or corked is sometimes difficult to manufacture on commonly available equipment. For example, for the manufacture of some flexible film packaging, specialized matrix kits or heat sealing rods may be required to form seals, openings in the package, and other packaging elements associated with the possibility of resealing. Another drawback in the manufacture of some flexible packaging is the usual requirement for accurate calibration of production equipment. For example, in the case of packaging and patterned adhesive technology, specialized equipment may be required that may need to be properly calibrated. As another example, in the manufacture of some layered structures, non-through die cuts can be made both on the inner and outer surfaces of the layered structure, which complicates the equipment. These technologies may also require high-precision packaging alignment elements to guarantee the user the ability to easily and reliably open the package, as well as cork or seal the flexible package accordingly.

In addition, well-known packaging designs usually required additional packaging material to fulfill the technical conditions for equipment and manufacturing, as well as consumer requirements. The use of this additional film or other material (such as a label base) has often led to unproductive costs that add to the cost of packaging.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 shows a plan view of a segment of a series of preforms of flexible film packaging,

figure 2 shows a view in cross section along line 2-2 in figure 1 of the layered structure of the blanks of flexible film packaging,

figure 3 shows another configuration of the layered structure,

figure 4 shows a flexible film packaging formed from one of the blanks of flexible film packaging shown in figure 1,

figure 5 shows the flexible film packaging shown in figure 4, with a partially open configuration,

figure 6 shows a view in cross section along line 6-6 in figure 4 of a flexible film packaging,

in Fig.7 shows a view in cross section along line 7-7 in Fig.4 of flexible film packaging,

on Fig shows a plan view of a segment of another series of blanks flexible film packaging,

figure 9 shows a plan view of another flexible film packaging,

on figa shows a view in plan of a segment of another series of blanks flexible film packaging,

on figb shows a view in plan of a segment of another series of blanks of flexible film packaging,

11 shows a plan view of a segment of another series of blanks of flexible film packaging,

in Fig.12 shows a flexible film packaging formed from one of the blanks of flexible film packaging shown in Fig.11,

on Fig shows a flexible film packaging shown in Fig, with a partially open configuration,

on Fig shows a side view of another flexible film packaging,

on Fig shows a view in cross section of the packaging shown in Fig, with the configuration closed,

on Fig shows a cross-sectional view of the packaging shown in Fig, with the configuration open,

on Fig schematically illustrates the process of forming the packaging shown in Fig.14,

on Fig shows a view in plan of a segment of another series of blanks of flexible film packaging,

in Fig.19 shows a flexible film packaging formed from one of the blanks of the flexible film packaging shown in Fig.18,

on Fig shows a portion of the flexible film packaging shown in Fig, with a partially open configuration,

on Fig shows a plan view of another blank flexible film packaging,

on figa shows a plan view of another blank flexible film packaging,

on figb shows a side view of a flexible film packaging,

on figv shows a side view of the flexible film packaging shown in figv, with the configuration open,

on figg shows a plan view of another blank flexible film packaging,

on Fig schematically shows the process of applying the capping layer on a flexible film,

on Fig shows a view in cross section of the layered structure of the flexible film shown in Fig.23,

on Fig shows a view in cross section of another layered structure,

on Fig schematically shows another process of applying the capping layer on a flexible film,

on Fig schematically shows an autonomous process of forming a series of blanks of flexible film packaging,

on Fig schematically shows the in-line process of forming a series of flexible film packaging,

on Fig shows a side view of another configuration of a flexible film packaging,

on Fig shows a flexible film packaging shown in Fig, with a partially open configuration,

on Fig shows a perspective view of another flexible film packaging,

on Fig shows a perspective view of another flexible film packaging,

on Fig shows a perspective view of another flexible film packaging,

on Fig shows a perspective view of another flexible film packaging,

on Fig-38 shows perspective views of the flexible film packaging shown in Fig.31-34, respectively, with an open configuration,

Figs. 39 and 40 show perspective views of the flexible film packages shown in Figs. 31 and 32 during the manufacturing process by the continuous method of in-line wrapping without a label and before separation into individual packages,

Figures 41 and 42 show perspective views of the flexible film packages shown in Figures 31 and 32 during the manufacturing process by the continuous method of in-line wrapping after forming the end seals and applying the label,

on Fig shows a plan view of a series of labeled film packaging after the formation of the end seals using welding pliers,

on Fig schematically shows the process of forming flexible film packaging using a continuous capping label,

on Fig schematically shows a cross-sectional view along the line aa in Fig.44 welding pincers,

on Fig shows a top view of another flexible film packaging,

on Fig-49 shows perspective views of flexible film packaging,

on Fig shows a view of another flexible film packaging,

on Fig shows a perspective view of another flexible film packaging,

on Fig-56 shows the patterns for marking the film of flexible film packaging,

on Fig shows a perspective view of a flexible film packaging with an unopened configuration,

on Fig shows a perspective view of the flexible film packaging shown in Fig, with an open configuration,

on Fig shows a perspective view of another flexible film packaging with re-sealed or re-sealed configuration,

on Fig schematically shows the process of forming flexible film packaging using labeled flexible film and a continuous label,

on Fig schematically shows a cross-sectional view of pincers for welding connecting the edges of the seams,

on Fig shows a perspective view of another flexible film packaging with a partially open configuration,

on Fig-68 shows perspective views of flexible film packaging with closed configurations,

on Fig shows a perspective view of a flexible film packaging with a partially open configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the various embodiments described, flexible film packaging and methods for making such packaging are provided. Flexible film packaging can have at least a partial initial seal to protect it from the surrounding atmosphere and can be easily opened and resealed. More precisely, the initial seal, which has a flexible film packaging prior to initial opening, can provide at least a partial barrier to protection from the surrounding atmosphere, including gas and moisture, for a long time. For example, the initial seal of a flexible film package may provide protection from light, as well as from gas and moisture, at least for 6-8 before the initial opening. In some applications, protection against gas and moisture may be desirable for an even longer time before initial opening. In addition, flexible film packaging is usually resealable, as a result of which the shelf life of the food contained therein is not unnecessarily shortened due to exposure to the atmosphere after the flexible film packaging is opened for the first time. Thus, flexible film packaging can be resealed by a resealable seal that remains after the package is first opened. Although the present invention has been described with reference to food products, it can also be used for industrial packaging of non-food, medical, pharmaceutical and the like products.

In one approach, flexible film packaging is generally configured to accommodate multiple portions of a food product. Thus, the possibility of resealing the flexible film packaging helps to maintain the freshness or shelf life of the food product remaining inside the package after its initial opening.

Flexible film packaging seals, such as any longitudinal seals, including, for example, an edge seam or lap seam, and any end seals can be leakproof (and can also provide various degrees of tightness, such as partial and primary tightness), which helps to preserve the life the validity of any food contained in the package. Seals can be formed in a variety of ways, such as, for example, hot sealing, cold sealing, low adhesive sealing, such as sealing using adhesive material or a low adhesive fastener, sealing using sound waves, and combinations thereof. Any resealable seals of the flexible packaging, such as seals around the opening of the packaging, can be partially formed by a self-adhesive material located between the flexible film and the extended closure layer. Various techniques may be used to form this resealable seal.

Flexible film packaging can have a variety of configurations, including, for example, a bag, bag, or other shapes, such as, in particular, a cylindrical, columnar, or rectangular shape. For example, a flexible film package may have rectangular edges, such as having a predominantly rectilinear package, or may have curved edges, such as having a round or ovoid package. In addition, a flexible film package may be formed around a food product, such as, for example, a sleeve-shaped package that is wrapped around an individual stack or stacks of food products. In other applications, the flexible film packaging may be wholly or partially formed and then filled with food products, which may be useful in the case of various disparate parts of food products. Packages of various configurations can be easily opened and then re-sealed while maintaining the integrity of the package.

According to one approach, the flexible film has two opposing edge portions that converge and form a longitudinal seal extending from the first end seal to the second end seal. The flexible film may include a marking that indicates a hole in the package after the initial tear or opening. In one illustrative embodiment, an extended capping layer extends over the marking from the first end seal (or to the first end of the package) to the second end seal (or the second end of the package) within the opposite edge portions that converge and form a longitudinal seal. Between the flexible film and the extended capping layer, there may be self-adhesive material. The extended capping layer may comprise a non-sticking grip area which serves to detach at least a portion of the extended capping layer from the flexible film and form an opening in the package.

According to one approach, the configuration and shape of the package can mainly be influenced by the products contained within the package, which is partially due to the flexibility of the multilayer film. According to another approach, the flexible film may be an in-line wrapping package or an outer wrap around a substrate, such as a rigid inner support or tray.

The inventive method for manufacturing flexible film packages may include forming a marking on one of the sections of a continuous tape of a flexible film having a longitudinal axis, and applying a continuous closure layer along the longitudinal axis using self-adhesive material. In one approach, a continuous capping layer may be applied to a portion of the total width of the continuous tape of a flexible film. The method may also include forming a continuous longitudinal seal from two opposite edges of a continuous strip of flexible material and forming a first end seal and a second end seal. According to one approach, a non-stick grip area may be formed at the first end of the flexible packaging. As described below, one packaging blank can be made from flexible packaging material in an autonomous or in-line packaging method for products, in particular, both on horizontal and vertical molding-filling-capping equipment.

A method of packaging products in a series of packages may include feeding a continuous film tape having longitudinal edges and a predetermined width between the longitudinal edges. The method may also include connecting the continuous substrate to the continuous film tape over a predetermined width. According to one approach, continuous film tape is marked to indicate the hole formed in the film tape after the substrate is first opened and removed from the continuous film tape, and an adhesive material such as a self-adhesive material providing a certain degree is placed between the continuous substrate and the continuous film tape separability and re-closure. In the case of a batch process, a series of packaging products can be used that can be wrapped with a continuous film tape and substrate. In addition, along the longitudinal edges of the continuous film tape, there may be a longitudinal seal, such as a joint connecting the edges or an overlap seam, and front and rear end seals may be between adjacent packages from a series of packages.

In one configuration, a method of manufacturing a resealable flexible film packaging includes applying a marking to a continuous film to indicate an opening in a further individual packaging; applying a continuous self-adhesive label or capping layer to at least cover the marking; film feeding along with a label around the product to wrap the product; the formation of a longitudinal seal by connecting with each other opposite edges of the film; the formation of two predominantly transverse end seals; and the implementation of exfoliating reeds on the unsealed portion of the film at a distance from the end seals.

A series of flexible packaging can be formed by the in-line method immediately before the product is wrapped with a film, or by the stand-alone method long before the packaging of the products. For example, a layered structure may be formed before it arrives at the packaging line to fill the packages with products. According to another configuration, the layered structure may be formed by the in-line method during the packaging operation, wherein the layered structure is formed approximately during or immediately before the product is packaged.

In the context of the present invention, a flexible film may be a film formed from a thin polymeric material. For example, the flexible film may be a flexible sheet of material in the form of a roll or individual blanks. Various technologies may be used to form the flexible film. For example, a flexible film can be made by layering, extrusion, casting, blowing, or a combination thereof. In one approach, the flexible film may be a laminate containing several thin layers of material. The layered structure may contain a layer of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and / or a layer of oriented polypropylene (OPP). Other optional layers include a polyethylene (PE) layer, a polypropylene (PP) layer, a polylactic acid (PLA) layer, a sealing layer, an ink or print layer, nylon, and a metallized layer such as a metallized oriented polypropylene layer (MET OPP) as just a few options. These various layers can have a variety of thicknesses and densities. In addition, the flexible film may be a combination of several of these structures. According to another approach, the flexible film may comprise a single layer (univalent) polymer. In the case of using a single layer polymer, the film may contain, for example, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, nylon or oriented polypropylene. According to another approach, the flexible film may also be a single sheet film with a sealant applied thereto. In addition, the components of the layered flexible film can be bonded with adhesive materials or extrusion methods.

If a PET layer is used in a laminated flexible film, it can affect the stiffness of the laminate. More precisely, the PET layer can have a degree of rigidity from flexible to semi-rigid depending on its thickness. The PET layer can be used in the composition of the layered material because it is relatively light and strong and, if desired, is able to have high transparency. A PET layer may also be useful as an oxygen / gas impermeable or waterproofing layer. In addition, the OPP layer can also further increase the strength of the flexible film, as well as provide useful impermeability.

A flexible film package may include a marking that indicates a hole in the package after it is initially torn or opened. The term “marking” in the context of the present invention may mean a mechanically formed or cut-out marking line of any type, laser-made marking, or any other marking means that violates the integrity of the film (i.e., a line or area of weakening strength). The marking can penetrate the film to a part of its depth or can be cut through the entire depth of the film. Marking can also be done on both sides of the flexible film and, accordingly, cut into the outer or inner surface of the flexible film. In one example, the marking is applied to a flexible film on its inner side, while it passes through a flexible film and mainly through a self-adhesive material. In addition, the marking can also be a dashed line, such as a series of perforations, which can also penetrate the film to part of its depth or completely to the entire depth of the film.

According to one approach, an extended capping layer is distributed or continuously applied to the flexible film over the marking so that in the extended capping layer there are generally no gaps or sections along one of the axes of the flexible film on which there is no extended capping layer. The extended capping layer may be a label, such as a backing label, a peelable liner, or a non-liner label. According to another configuration, the extended capping layer may comprise a second flexible film with a self-adhesive material between the flexible film and the second flexible film. As described below, the self-adhesive material may be an intermediate film layer with a layered structure that is placed between the layers of the flexible film and the second flexible film.

According to another configuration, the extended capping layer may be a tape continuously applied to a flexible film along its longitudinal axis. Although a label without a spacer may be similar to a tape, printed elements are often required to be additionally applied to a label without a spacer, for example for alignment purposes. As shown below, an extended capping layer can be applied to both horizontally and vertically formed packages. The continuous capping layer may be transparent, opaque or optionally sealed. The continuous capping layer may contain any of a variety of flexible or semi-rigid polymers, such as, for example, oriented polypropylene (OPP), including biaxially oriented polypropylene, and a layer of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). In one illustrative embodiment, the continuous capping layer may have a thickness of from about 0.5 to 5.0 mils (caliber 50-500; 0.0127-0.127 mm). According to one approach, the continuous capping layer may have a thickness of from about 1.0 to 3.0 mils (caliber 100-300; 0.0254-0.0762 mm). According to one configuration, the continuous capping layer may have a thickness of about 2.5 mils (caliber 250; 0.0635 mm). In some applications, PET may be desirable given its heat resistance to create non-peeling seals. In addition, although the extended capping layer is a continuous strip of material that is continuously applied without breaks to the flexible film, it should be noted that, with some configurations, the label may be a more discrete type label, as described further in other embodiments.

A continuous capping layer may be applied so as to cover at least a marking line. In addition, the continuous capping layer preferably extends beyond the marking line, providing a sufficient edge area around the marking line to effectively re-seal the opening in the package after the marking line has been initially opened or torn.

Since it is assumed that the opening in the package is preferably resealable, at least a partial tight seal is provided around the opening (in some configurations, the resealable opening is predominantly leakproof). The self-adhesive material between the flexible film and the extended capping layer helps to ensure that the opening in the package can be resealed. The self-adhesive material is preferably neutral or inert to the product being packaged. According to one approach, the self-adhesive material may include, for example, cold-molded adhesive material, hot-melt adhesive material, cold-sealable adhesive material, natural or synthetic latex adhesive material, low viscosity adhesive material, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer acrylic adhesive material (such as water or solvent based acrylic adhesive material), styrene block copolymer adhesive material, butyl rubber adhesive material, cl soft material based on organosilicon rubber, adhesive material based on natural rubber, adhesive material based on nitriles, adhesive material based on acrylic emulsion, and combinations thereof. In addition, Self-adhesive material can be used using extrusion, co-extrusion, printing, or combinations thereof. In one configuration, the self-adhesive material is a water-based acrylic adhesive material. Self-adhesive material may have a different thickness. According to one approach, the self-adhesive material may have a thickness of from about 0.5 to 1.5 mils (caliber 50-150; 0.0127-0.0381 mm). The self-adhesive material may be suitable for re-sealing under a variety of conditions, such as ambient and chilled conditions, only as a few examples.

In some configurations, the self-adhesive material can provide a predominantly tight seal even when refrigerated (i.e., the self-adhesive material can be used in a temperature range from about -10 to 90 ° C, preferably from about 2 to 7 ° C). Self-adhesive material can be applied directly to the film, but can also be applied to paint or other coating of the film. According to one approach, the self-adhesive material remains connected to the continuous capping layer even after the capping layer has been repeatedly opened and re-corked. According to another configuration, the self-adhesive material is an adhesive material or fixative with low stickiness. Optional adhesive materials or low tack adhesives are described in patent application US 13/035399, filed February 25, 2011, which is incorporated by reference into this application. Adhesive materials with low tack can include a variety of applicable materials, characterized by relatively low tack with respect to unwanted surfaces, but with high adhesion to desirable surfaces (such as materials that do not peel off the flexible film) and relatively high cohesive adhesion or self-adhesion with similar surfaces in order to keep the flexible packaging or bag closed, but at the same time allow to open or delaminate the packaging manually. If a sticky material with low tack is used in the package, it is assumed that the self-adhesive material is able to adhere to the capping layer, the film, or both after the capping layer is torn from the film and the package is opened. In one illustrative embodiment, when the package is opened, a portion of a low sticky adhesive (PSA) material remains glued to the film, and another portion of a low sticky adhesive material (PSA) remains glued to the continuous capping layer.

In addition, the original seal of the package (before opening) can also be predominantly airtight (for example, create a gas-tight and waterproofing layer) for a long time. The initial seal can be created by end seals or a longitudinal seal of the package in combination with a continuous capping layer and self-adhesive material, layered on the marking, which subsequently designates an opening in the package.

In one configuration, the resealable flexible film package comprises a labeled film with longitudinally sealed edges forming a sleeve. At the first end of the package, a predominantly transverse longitudinal seal has a first end seal of the package or sleeve. At the second end of the package, a second end seal of the package or sleeve is predominantly transverse to the longitudinal seal. In some configurations, the first and second end seals may optionally be peelable or non-peelable. In the context of the present invention, a peeling seal is a seal, the sealing layers of which can be separated from each other, and not a peeling seal is a seal, the sealing layers of which are not separated, i.e. destructive seal. A film between the first and second end seals limits the interior of the package. The flexible film has a label or other continuous capping layer, continuously passing over the markings on the film and along the longitudinal axis of the package with self-adhesive material. The label can be used to reseal or seal the package as the contents are removed from it. In addition, after some of the contents have been removed from the package, the film can be twisted or rolled up to compress the package, after which a label can be placed on it to reseal or seal the package. Due to this, the package can be twisted or folded in order to reduce its size to the size of the contents remaining in it.

According to one approach, the self-adhesive material has a resistance to delamination of the film and label, which exceeds the force required to separate the sides of the marking. The label may extend beyond the marking line sufficiently to re-seal the package with self-adhesive material between the label and the film. A wide variety of markup templates are provided, several of which are used in the invention. the marking can take place generally in the longitudinal direction from the first end of the package to the second end of the package. In addition, the markup shape can be straight, arcuate, or a combination of both. In addition, the markup may have shapes such as a T-shape, a teardrop shape and a circle shape only as a few examples. In one configuration, the marking may indicate a hole at or near the first end of the package. In some embodiments, the marking line forms a loop between the end seals. In other embodiments, a marking line may begin at the outer edge of the first end seal, extend backward and connect to form a closed marking line. In one configuration, the marking line does not extend beyond the second end seal. According to another configuration, the marking can extend to the end seals and / or pass through them. Since the seal area can be formed using heat-sealing rods, the heat used to form the end or longitudinal seal on the package can also melt the polymers sufficiently to prevent tearing of the marking outside the weld, even if the marking extends to the weld area before the formation of the seal.

The end point of the marking line near the second end of the package can be configured to block or prevent further tearing of the film outside the marking line. The end of the marking line adjacent to the second end of the package may have configurations, in particular in the form of a J-shaped hook, a double J-shaped hook, an arc, a shepherd’s staff, a drop and a double drop (providing a relatively large opening in the package from either end ) In one example, a marking line comprises an opening, such as a drop-shaped opening, that abuts the first end of the package and reaches a closed marking line extending generally in the longitudinal direction toward the second end of the package, forming an opening leading to the interior of the package. According to another configuration, the marking comprises an opening, such as a drop-shaped opening, which is adjacent to the first end of the package, and two generally straight sections that extend away from it and extend longitudinally down the package. In general, straight sections can be parallel and spaced about 5 mm or less from each other, the marking can also contain a narrow arcuate segment connecting two generally straight sections near the second end. In one configuration, the label extends beyond the first end seal and reaches at least the front edge of the package.

As described below, the package may further comprise a second line or marking area, such as marking 15 of the tongue, to indicate the region of the tongue on the layered structure of the film / label. This second line or marking area may be located away from and near the first end seal of the sleeve. In addition, a plurality of additional second marking lines or marking area may be provided to facilitate the proper functioning of the tongue area. A lot of additional second marking lines can help solve the deviation problem when combining elements.

We first consider in figure 1, which shows a series of blanks of flexible packaging 10. The tape continuous flexible film 12 has a certain width and a longitudinal axis extending along the length of the packages formed from it. An extended or continuous capping layer 14 is continuously applied along the length of the packaging blanks so that it occupies part of the width of the tape 12 of the continuous flexible film. For example, a continuous capping layer 14 can be applied predominantly along the entire longitudinal axis of the tape 12 of a continuous flexible film. The self-adhesive material 18 (in FIG. 2) is located between the continuous flexible film tape 12 and the continuous capping layer 14. The self-adhesive material 18, like the continuous capping layer 14, is continuously applied between the continuous flexible film 12 tape and the continuous capping layer 14 so that between two layers left no areas without self-adhesive material. Marking 16 is made on the continuous flexible film tape 12, which subsequently serves to form an opening in the package after the continuous capping layer 14 is torn off from the continuous flexible film tape 12.

More specifically, markup 16 is made on the flexible film 12, which may indicate a hole in the package 36 after the flexible film package 5 (FIG. 5) is opened for the first time. The opening in the package allows the consumer to easily access the product inside the package 5. As mentioned above, the marking 16 can be made in a variety of ways, for example, mechanically, such as die-cutting, using a laser or any other way that violates the integrity of the film. See, for example, US Pat. No. 5,158,499. Marking 16 may be made on the inside or outside of the flexible film. In addition, the marking 1 6 can penetrate into the flexible film to a part of its depth (partial depth marking line) or can be cut to the entire depth of the flexible film (full depth marking line). In addition, the marking 16 may have a different width as well as depth. Marking 16 may be performed before applying continuous capping layer 14 to flexible film 12 or bonding with it or after applying an extended continuous capping layer 14 to flexible film 12. If marking 16 is performed after applying continuous capping layer 14, it may be formed in a flexible film 12 (from the inner surface) and in the self-adhesive material 18. According to one approach, the marking 16 can be formed in a flexible film 12, a self-adhesive material 18 and partially in a continuous capping layer 14.

In addition to the marking 16, which subsequently serves to form an opening in the package 36 (Fig. 5), the marking 15 of the tongue can also be made in the continuous flexible film tape 12 (Fig. 1). The marking 15 of the tongue can be performed similarly to the marking 16. The marking 15 of the tongue can be located on a continuous flexible film 12 in the area on which the continuous capping layer is applied 14. As described in more detail below, the marking 15 of the tongue allows you to remove portion 38 of the flexible film from the rest of the tape continuous flexible film 12 to form the region 40 of the tongue at the end of the film package with a continuous capping layer 14. In the configuration illustrated in figure 1, the marking 15 of the tongue contains a series of arcuate notches that are the arcuate portion of the flexible film 38 removed from the rest of the continuous flexible tape 12. In addition, as discussed in more detail below, since the marking 15 of the tongue contains a series of marking lines, it is not necessary to accurately calibrate the longitudinal alignment of the continuous tape of the flexible film using heat sealing rods and cuts or notches for the formation or separation of individual packages 5 from a series of flexible packages 10. In fact, as described below, the marking 15 of the tongue intersects with an incision or incision 44, subsequently It can be absorbed in a layered structure when forming individual packages.

In one illustrative embodiment, the marking 16 the marking 15 of the tongue is formed after applying a continuous capping layer 14 to the tape of the flexible film 12. With this configuration, the marking 16 can penetrate the entire depth of the flexible film 12 and possibly partially into the self-adhesive material 18. It is also provided that the marking 16 may slightly extend to the continuous capping layer 14; however, the marking 16 does not extend to the continuous capping layer 14 sufficiently to violate the barrier properties of the continuous capping layer 14. A variety of marking depths are also provided for marking 15 of the tongue.

On pre-labeled film (or labeled prior to application of the capping layer), tear lines can also be indicated to create an opening in the packaging made by in-line wrapping after separating the label. Since the flexible film 12 is not wholly cut to the entire depth, the marking 16 may retain the seal of the flexible film package until opened. Alternatively, the marking 16 may pass through the flexible film 12, and the seal prior to the initial opening of the flexible packaging advantageously provides a continuous capping layer 14.

A variety of tag configurations 16 are provided, examples of some of which are contemplated by the invention. The specific layout configuration used for a given flexible film packaging may depend on the products being packaged, the use of the structural support structure in the flexible film packaging and available manufacturing equipment. According to one approach, the marking 16 denotes an opening in the package that allows access to at least 70% of the product inside the flexible film package after it has been opened. More precisely, when the extended capping layer 14 is peeled off to the end of the marking 16 to expose the entire marking 16, it is provided that the user can access (i.e. remove from the package) any amount of at least 70% of the product inside the package. Thus, the consumer has access to a substantial part of the product inside the flexible film packaging after the initial opening. According to another approach, the marking 16 denotes an opening in the package that allows access to at least 90% of the product within the package. According to another configuration, the marking 16 denotes an opening in the package that allows access to at least 50% of the product inside the package.

Figure 1 illustrates a marking line 16 containing a pear-shaped or curved section 30, turning into two generally elongated straight sections 32, which end with ends 34 in the form of hooks according to the illustrated configuration. Hooks or J-shaped ends help prevent spreading or continued tearing of the flexible film 12 with the marking 16. In addition, depending on the product contained within the flexible film 12, the arcuate section 30 of the marking 16 provides a sufficiently large opening in the package in order to easily reach a substantial part of the product contained in it.

Let us briefly review Fig. 8, which shows another series of blanks for packaging 110. The series of blanks for flexible packages 110 is similar to a series of blanks for flexible packages 10 and contains a tape of continuous flexible film 112 with an extended or continuous capping layer 114. The main difference from the series of flexible packages 110 is the marking 116 and markup 115 reeds. Marking 116 contains a pear-shaped or arched section 130, slightly narrower than section 30, and also contains two generally elongated straight sections 132, which are turned inward towards each other and reach ends 134 with hooks extending from the center of the package. The opening in the package created by the marking 116 may be slightly narrower than the opening in the packaging created by the marking 16. In addition, the marking of the tongue 115 contains a series of straight marking lines that intersect the notch 144, which is subsequently made when forming individual packages. FIG. 8 also illustrates an opening 154 that can be provided in the capping layer 114 and the flexible film 12, allowing individual packaging to be suspended, for example, for demonstration purposes.

As indicated above, the flexible film tape 12, 112 may be a layered structure of several material layers, including, for example, a PET layer, an OPP layer, a PE layer, a MET OPP layer, a PP layer and a PLA layer, as several options. These layers can be bonded with adhesive materials or by extrusion. Alternatively, the tape of the flexible film 12 may be a single layer or univalent polymer. Since the flexible film package is at least partially sealed, the flexible film tape preferably provides a gas-tight and waterproof layer. According to one approach, a flexible film may have a thickness of from about 1 to about 5 mils (caliber 100-500; 0.0254-0.127 mm). According to another approach, which is used for layering by extrusion, the tape of the flexible film 12 may have a thickness of from about 0.47 to about 0.98 mils (caliber 47-98; 0.012-0.025 mm). In one of the illustrative embodiments used for extrusion lamination, the flexible film tape 12 may have a thickness of from about 0.67 to about 0.71 mils (caliber 67-71; 0.017-0.018 mm). In the above examples of layering by extrusion, the thickness of the flexible film is further increased due to the extrudate by a value from about 0.4 to about 1.2 mils (caliber 40-120; 0.01-0.03 mm). Film thickness may depend on the desired protection against gas, moisture and light, as well as the level of the desired structural integrity, the desired depth of the marking line and available production equipment.

The tape of the flexible film 12, 112 may be a thermally adhesive copolymer, while in some configurations the thermally adhesive polymer forms a seal at a temperature of, for example, 50-300 ° C. The tape of the flexible film 12 may also be a pressurized film. In one configuration, the tape of the film 12, 112 may be a pressurized film. For example, a pressure-sealed film may form a seal under pressure, for example, from about 0.7 to 7.0 kg / cm ² . According to one approach, a pressurized film forms a seal under a pressure of about 5.6 kg / cm ² .

In addition to the various layers mentioned above, additional layers may also be included in the layered structure, such as sealants, stiffeners, paint, release layers. For example, a sealing layer may further be used to help form seals to seal the product. According to one approach, the sealing layer may be on the surface of the film directed inside the package (facing the surface). The sealing layer may comprise a variety of polymer sealants, such as a heating-activated polymer-based sealing layer, such as, in particular, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer, ionomer plastic (manufactured by DuPont, sold under the trade name SURLYN), metallocene and organoclay. In one example, seals, such as joint edges of seams, may be formed using a heat-activated seal layer. In addition, cold seals and pressurized seals can also be used in the described configuration. It should be noted that if the products inside the flexible film packaging are food products, food sealants are used.

In one configuration in the flexible film 12, stiffeners are additionally used to increase the stiffness of the film. These stiffeners can be used in addition to adjusting the stiffness, which can be done by changing the thickness and density of the previously mentioned layers. These stiffeners can be added as one of the components of the extruded film or as a separate layer. For example, one of the layers, such as a polyamide layer (e.g., nylon), may be included in the tape structure of the multilayer flexible film 12. According to one approach, nylon can be used as one of the layers connected to the rest of the film structure with an adhesive material. In addition, in one configuration, a nylon layer may be sandwiched between the other layers, and other layers of the flexible film may be glued to the nylon layer (i.e., the bonding layer) on each side. In one configuration, a film structure, such as a 2 mil thick structure, may comprise a nylon layer whose thickness is about 6-10% of the film thickness, or from about 0.003 to 0.005 mm. According to one approach, the nylon layer thickness is about 8% of the film thickness. According to another approach, the nylon layer thickness may be about 0.004 mm.

As noted, a paint layer may be used as one of the layers of the laminate. For example, one particular laminate may contain paint and a primer located between other layers of the film, such as a PET layer and an OPP layer. Alternatively, the ink may be a lithographic-applied layer with a release coating, such as used in a univalent structure. As noted above, other additional layers may include a metallized layer.

In some configurations, a separation layer may be used to give greater flexibility to the layered structure, as well as to increase the number of options for self-adhesive materials. For example, if a release layer is used, the self-adhesive material used in the package may have less peeling force. The separation layer may be a homopolymer such as OPP. According to one approach, the separation layer may also be a paint coating, which is applied by printing or extrusion to a film and thereby creates a barrier between the self-adhesive material with a flexible film to ensure uniform opening characteristics.

According to one approach, an extended capping layer 14 is continuously applied to the flexible film 12 so that it extends from one end seal to the other end seal after the flexible film package 5 is formed. As shown in FIG. 4, the continuous capping layer 14 passes from the first end seal 26 to the second end seal 28. In addition, the capping layer 14 extends only partially along the width of the flexible film 12, which forms the film package 5. However, it is also provided that The washable capping layer 14 can extend across the entire width of the package, but only partially along the length of the flexible film 12. More precisely, the continuous capping layer 14 preferably does not extend along the entire width or the entire length of the package. The continuous capping layer 14 extends partially in one direction (i.e., in length or width) and continuously extends in other directions. According to one approach, a continuous capping layer 14 is continuously applied on one axis of the flexible film and only partially applied on an axis perpendicular to the axis along which the capping layer 14 is continuously applied. Thus, the flexible film package 10 may comprise an extended capping layer 14 that extends over the entire length of the package and only for part of the width of the package, or an extended capping layer 14, which extends over the entire width of the package, an extended capping layer 14, which extends over the entire length of the package. Figure 2, which shows a cross section along line 2-2 of the flexible film, illustrates a self-adhesive material between the flexible film 12 and the extended capping layer 14. Although the extended capping layer 14 is generally centered in FIGS. 1-2, it is also provided so that the extended capping layer 14 can be offset from the center or offset along the width or length of the package. Figure 3 shows how an extended capping layer 14 can extend along the edge of the flexible film 12.

The extended capping layer 14, which is adhered to the flexible film 12 and covers the marking 16, makes it easy to manually open the flexible packaging 5. In one embodiment, the extended capping layer 14 can be formed so that the flexible packaging 5 has a tongue region 40. More precisely, the tongue region 40 (FIG. 5) can be formed by an extended sealing layer 14 and a flexible film portion in the uncompressed region of the flexible film extending to the end seal, such an end seal 26, which allows the user to grip and peel the upper layer of the peeling seal, t .e. extended capping layer 14.

In one configuration, the flexible film 12 has a first edge portion 20 and a second edge portion 22. The edge portions 20, 22 can be connected and form a longitudinal seal, such as a joint connecting the edges of the seam 24, extending from the first end seal 26 to the second end seal 28, as shown in FIGS. 4-6. The longitudinal seal may also be a lap seam. A longitudinal seal may extend along the length of the package, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. However, the package may be configured so that the longitudinal seal also extends across the width of the package.

Figure 1 illustrates one approach to creating end seals 26, 28. Figure 1 generally shows how heat sealing rods 42 (illustrated by dashed lines) create the first and second end seals 26, 28 of the package (shown in figure 4 and 5). According to one illustrative approach, the tape of a continuous flexible film 12 is wrapped around a forming device, such as a forming pipe, a forming sleeve or otherwise, and connecting the edge sections 20, 22 for sealing. If at this stage the tape of the continuous flexible film 12 is also wrapped around the product to be packaged, end seals 26, 28 can also be formed in the package. The end seals 26, 28 may include an upper and lower portion 48, 50 of the film, as shown 7, or may also include a front and back portion, depending on the configuration of the flexible film package.

In addition, FIG. 1 shows where, between the end seals 26, 28, a separation cut 44 may also be formed, also indicated by dashed lines. The separation cut 44 separates the individual packages 5 from the series of flexible film packages 10 and passes through the flexible film tape 12, the continuous capping layer 14 and the self-adhesive material 18. In one example, this separation point is between the second end seal 28 of the front package and the first end seal 26 back packaging.

According to one illustrative approach, the ends of the flexible film of two packages located near the first and second end seals 26, 28 are not connected to each other. Since the free ends 46 are not connected to each other, they can be captured by the user. Thus, in order to open the package, in particular not having a resealable seal, the user can grab the free ends of the flexible film adjacent to the upper and lower portions of the end seal and break the end seal. More specifically, in some packages, the consumer tears apart the free end portions in order to break the predominantly airtight seam connecting the film to the seam forming an end seal, sometimes called a destructive seal. In other configurations, including those without the use of free end portions, in order to break the end seal, the user can separate the front and rear (or upper and lower) panels near the seal. Both of these methods of opening a package by rupture of a permanent or primary seal often render the package unrepairable.

End seals 26, 28 and longitudinal seal 24 are seams connecting the film and can be considered primary seals and often permanent or destructive seals. The capping layer 14 also forms a seal with flexible packaging 5 and can be considered a secondary seal. The secondary seal is resealable and generally non destructive. In one illustrative embodiment, the peeling force required to separate the primary seal (primary peeling force) is greater than the peeling force required to separate the secondary seal (secondary peeling force).

In one example, the flexible film package 5 comprises primary seals, including end seals 26, 28 and a longitudinal seal 24, as well as a secondary seal formed by a capping layer 14 extending along the length of the flexible film package 5. The secondary seal is formed partially by a self-adhesive material 18 located between the continuous capping layer 14 and the flexible film 12.

In Fig. 7, which shows a cross section along line 7-7 in Fig. 4, a flexible film 12 is illustrated in place of the first end seal 26. Near the first end seal 26, there is also a continuous capping layer 14 and self-adhesive material 18. Near this point or at this point, the user grabs the tongue region 40 (FIG. 5) and pulls it up to separate the continuous capping layer 14 from the flexible film 12 and expose the opening in the package 36. Thus, the continuous capping layer 14 peels off the flexible film 12 without breaking the primary seal between the upper and lower portions 48, 50 of the first end seal 26, since the primary peeling force exceeds the secondary peeling force required to separate the continuous capping layer 14 from the flexible film 12. More precisely, if the primary and secondary peeling forces are the same, the user may break or damage the primary seals, which may not be resealed. According to one approach, the delamination force of the primary seal is 200-300 grams / sq. inch exceeds the peeling force of the secondary seal. According to another configuration, the difference between the peeling forces may be 100-400 grams / sq. inch.

As stated above, many consumers have previously opened packages by tearing primary seals at the end or top of the package. As shown in FIG. 5, the flexible film package 5 is configured so that the user can separate the continuous capping layer 14 adjacent to the end seal from the end seal 26 without disturbing it. In addition, on the flexible film 12, the tongue 15 is marked so that the user can grab the continuous capping layer 14 without contacting the self-adhesive material 18. To this end, the peeling forces of the primary and secondary seals can be selected so that the user can easily open packaging without breaking primary seals. In addition, the flexible package 5 may include a tongue region 40, which makes it easy to open the package.

As noted above, the free ends 46 of the package are adjacent to the end seals, but are usually not connected. More specifically, the free ends 46 of the package can be provided in the unsealed region of the laminate film, and according to one approach are located away from the end seal of the package, whereby the user can grab and peel the top layer portion 38 or the film portion 48 and the continuous capping layer 14 .

As noted above, the tongue region 40 can be formed by combining the tongue 15 of the tongue and the separation cut 44. The front end of the flexible film package 5 can be limited by the separation cut 44, which can also be near the region 40 of the tongue. According to one visual approach, the user can grab this end to begin to open the package. In particular, the consumer can grab the free end 46 of the upper portion 48 of the flexible film 12, as well as the portion of the continuous capping layer 14 adjacent to the front end. To make it easier for the user to lift or peel the continuous capping layer 14 away from the flexible film 12, tongue 15 can be marked at one of the free ends 46 adjacent to the upper portion 48 of the end seal 26. Accordingly, the portion of the flexible film 38 can be removed from the rest of the flexible film 12 at the location of one of the marked tabs 15. Section 38 may cover the self-adhesive material 18 below the continuous capping layer 14 and serve as a non-stick grip area or tongue area 40 for the user. More precisely, the portion 38 is provided due to the fact that the marking 15 of the tongue separates the portion 38 of the flexible film from the rest of the flexible film 12.

The cutout 52 shown in FIG. 5 illustrates the place where the portion 38 of the flexible film 12 is removed from the rest of the flexible film and covers the self-adhesive material 18 in the region 40 of the tongue. As discussed in more detail below, the marking 15 of the tongue may partially extend to the front end seal 26 of the package 10, extend directly along the front end seal of the package 10, or be directly outside the front end seal 26. In addition, if several marked tabs are used, their marking lines may be in all three places. If the marking 15 of the tongue extends only slightly to the front end seal 26, the portion 38 to be removed from the flexible film 12 may contain a small portion of the end seal 26; however, if the marking 15 of the tongue extends significantly to the end seal 26, the seal force will probably not allow a significant portion of the front end seal 26 to detach from it to form a portion 38 of the flexible film 12. Accordingly, the configuration of the portion 38 to be removed from the flexible film 12 , may depend on the configuration of the dividing section, the marked reeds 15, the relative placement of the marking 15 of the reeds, as well as the strength of the front end seal 26. In one illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the middle arcuate marking line 15 of the tongue usually denotes the front outer edge of the region 44 of the tongue. It is the largest of all markings 15 reeds, which is not welded by the end seal 26 in the area 42 of the seal. Thus, for the region 44 of the tongue, the marking 15 of the tongue and the portion 38 of the flexible film portion 38, various configurations can be applied, some examples of which are given in the description.

The dividing section 44, which denotes the leading edge of the tongue region 40 and the leading edge of the flexible film packaging 5, also denotes the rear edge of the other flexible film packaging 5. Accordingly, when forming the rear edge of the front flexible film packaging 5 using a matrix or knife cutting device, a front edge of back flexible film packaging 5.

Self-adhesive material 18, which is placed between the flexible film 12 and the extended capping layer 14, can have different strengths and compositions. As noted above, the self-adhesive material may include, for example, cold-molded adhesive material, hot-melt adhesive material, cold-sealed adhesive material, natural or synthetic latex adhesive material, low viscosity adhesive material, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer acrylic adhesive material (such as water or solvent based acrylic adhesive material), styrene block copolymer adhesive material, butyl rubber adhesive material, adhesive material Al-based silicone rubber, the adhesive material is based on natural rubber, the adhesive material on the basis of nitriles adhesive based on acrylic emulsions and combinations thereof. In addition, self-adhesive material can be used using extrusion, co-extrusion, printing, or combinations thereof.

According to one approach, the adhesive force of the self-adhesive material exceeds the effort required to tear or separate the marking 15. With this configuration, the user can pull up on the extended capping layer 14, expose the opening in the package, remove the desired amount of product, and then reseal the package using self-adhesive material outside the marking. According to one approach, self-adhesive materials can have a variety of thicknesses. For example, a self-adhesive material may have a thickness of about 0.2 to 1 mil or even more.

As shown in FIG. 9, the flexible film packaging 205 comprises a flexible film 212 on which a continuous capping layer 214 is located. The flexible film packaging 205 comprises a marking 216 and a marking 215 near the first end seal 226. According to one approach, the marking 216 has a whole A U-shaped configuration with an arcuate portion 230 and two generally elongated straight portions 232 that terminate at the end portions 234 near the end seal 228. The tongue region 240 is adjacent to the end seal 226 and is partially indicated azmetkoy 215, which contains a plurality of repeating lines marking lines passing through the flexible film 212. The front and rear edges of the flexible film package 205 are straight and do not contain the arcuate segments, both in the package shown in Figs 4-5. 9, a die 260 is shown passing through at least a continuous capping layer 214. According to one approach, die 260 passes through a continuous capping layer 214, self-adhesive material 218 and flexible film 212. Accordingly, a tongue region 240 is created near the first end seal 226 having an arcuate leading edge, indicated by a notch 260 passing through a continuous capping layer 214, and a marking 216 in the flexible film layer 312. As shown in FIG. 9, in the vicinity of the outer portions of the tongue 240, a pair of cross-marking areas 256 may be provided. According to one approach, the die cut 260 extends to the marking areas 256 in the form of a transverse hatching. Cross-hatch marking areas 256 facilitate separation of the continuous capping layer 214 from the flexible film 212 by trapping the tongue region 240 at the rear edge.

The series of flexible film packages 310a illustrated in FIG. 10A is similar to the blanks of film packages 205, however, the region with the tongue of the flexible film packages 310a has a straight leading edge instead of an arcuate leading edge. Flexible film packages 310a comprise a flexible film 312a with a continuous capping layer 314a thereon. The flexible film 312a comprises a marking 316a that forms a hole in the package and a marking 315a of the tongue, which helps to form the tongue region 340a. The arcuate marking 315a of the tongue extends to the free ends of the front and rear packages, allowing deviation when combining the packaging elements with a dividing section 344a. More precisely, due to the marking 315a of the tongue, it is not necessary that the longitudinal alignment of the continuous tape of the flexible film is accurately calibrated with the separation cut 344a, which is located between the end seals of the front and rear packages. In addition to the arcuate marking 315a of the tongue made using a marking forming mechanism similar to the marking forming mechanism 316a, a dividing section can also form arcuate slots. As shown in FIG. 10B, a series of flexible film packages 310b, which will subsequently look similar to a series of packages 310a, can be formed by splitting or notching 344b to create arcuate slots 345b in unsealed areas of the film away from the front end seal. The configurations illustrated in FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B in both cases provide a relatively wide tongue region 340a, 340b. The tongue region 340a, 340b may have arched sides and straight front and rear edges.

11 shows another illustrative series of preforms of flexible film packaging 410. A series of preforms of flexible film packaging 410 comprises a continuous flexible film 412, a continuous capping layer 414, and a marking 416 (dotted lines in FIG. 12) indicating a hole 436 in the package after , as from the subsequently formed package 405 (FIG. 13), the continuous capping layer 414 is at least partially separated. The continuous capping layer 414, similar to the previously described configurations, covers part of the width of the flexible film 41 2. In addition, the series of preforms of flexible film packaging 410 also includes a marking of the capping layer 456 made in the capping layer 414. The marking 456 of the capping layer extends from the tongue region 440 (near the front edge of the packaging) inward toward the packaging body and ends at the edges 458 of the continuous the capping layer 414. The marking 456 of the capping layer can extend along the entire length of the capping layer 414, and the marking 456 can also extend to the self-adhesive material 418 located between the continuous capping layer 414 and the flexible film 412. Marking 456 of the capping layer makes it easier for the user to peel the continuous capping layer 414 from the flexible film 412, which becomes difficult in the case of packages with a relatively wide continuous capping layer 414, which covers a large area of the flexible film 412. Marking 456 of the capping layer forms incisions 459 in the continuous capping layer 414 after the tongue region 440 and part of the continuous capping layer 414 are disconnected from the film 412. Sections 461 of the continuous capping layer 414 that are cut from the rest are not reryvnogo closure layer 414 remain connected with the flexible film 412 near the leading edge of the package 460. In general, the markup closure layer 456 reduces peel force required to separate the continuous layer 414 of the closure by the flexible film 412.

In addition to the marking 416, a tab marking 415 is formed in the flexible film 412. The tab marking 415 (dashed lines in FIG. 12) may extend from the rear seal region 442 (which forms the rear end seal) of one package to the front seal region 442 (which forms the front end seal) of the other package. Accordingly, the marking 415 of the tongue at least partially extends to the free ends of the package, which are between the two areas 442 of the seal before the separation of the packages. As shown in FIG. 12, the free ends 446 are adjacent to both the leading edge 460 and the trailing edge 462. The leading edge 460 is adjacent to the tongue region 4 40 and forms the leading edge of the tongue region 440. In addition, the leading edge 460 is formed by a separation cut 444, which is straight in this example. Accordingly, the tongue region 440 also has a straight leading edge. Straight dividing section 444 also provides a straight trailing edge 462 packages.

The tongue region 440 also includes a portion 438 that is detachable from the flexible film 412 that covers the self-adhesive material 418 located on the continuous capping layer 414. As shown in FIG. 11, the tongue 415 contains curved lines intersecting the seal region 442, which becomes the front end the seal 426. Accordingly, when the tongue region 440 is disconnected from the flexible film package 405, the portion 438 is disconnected from the rest of the flexible film 412 and covers a self-adhesive material that is adhered to the capping layer 414.

In addition to the configuration with a longitudinal seal and two end seals, it is also provided that the flexible film package may have three side seals. According to one approach, such a package may have a crease-resistant fold.

14 shows another flexible film package 500. According to one approach, the flexible film package 500 includes a front and rear film panel 520, 522, a first and second end seal 502 and 504, and an upper seal 506 extending from the first end seal 502 to the second end seal 504, which is a longitudinal seal, and an indelible crease 508. The flexible film 512 comprises an extended capping layer 514 extending from the first end seal 502 to the second end seal 504.

As shown in FIG. 15, the flexible film package 500 comprises a self-adhesive material 518 located between the flexible film 512 and the extended capping layer 514. In addition, the marking may be between any of the panels including the front and rear film panels 520, 522. According to one of the approaches, the marking 516 passes through the front panel 520, with an extended capping layer 514 and a self-adhesive material 518 located on it, respectively, after the front and rear film panels 520, 522 are separated from each other, and in the package 536 an opening is formed, the cutout portion 525 limited by the marking 516 is separated from the front panel 520 and glued to the rear panel 522. More precisely, an upper seal 506 is formed between the front and rear panels 520, 522, and the marking portions 516 may be above and below the upper seal 506. Accordingly, after the marking 516 is separated, the cut-out portion 525 of the front panel 520, which (via the upper seal 506) is connected to the rear panel 522, remains glued thereto. After opening (as shown in FIG. 16), the user can access the product inside the flexible film package 505, and then can reseal the package 505 by pressing the self-adhesive material 518 from the bottom of the capping layer 514 to the back panel 522 and cut section 525.

FIG. 17 schematically illustrates one method for manufacturing flexible film packaging 505. A continuous capping layer 514 can be continuously positioned on tape of flexible film 512. With this configuration, a forming or folding mechanism 578 can be used to shape the film to fill the product, and to create shaped seal 582 can be used between the packings between the packages. Let us consider FIG. 29, which illustrates another package 1305 with three side seals: a second and second side seal 1302, 1304 and an upper seal 1306. The flexible film 1312 includes a continuous capping layer 1314 extending from one side seal 1302 to another side seal 1304. In fact, a continuous capping layer 1314 extends from the first edge 1360 to the second edge 1362 packaging 1305. On the flexible film 1312, a marking line 1316 is made under the continuous capping layer 1314, while the marking line 1316 subsequently forms an opening in the packaging 1336 (Fig. 30).

The package 1305 further comprises slots 1386 in the flexible film 1312 near the region 1340 of the tongue, which is adjacent to the first edge 1360. The slots 1386 help to remove section 1338 of the flexible film 1312 from the rest of the film. As shown in FIG. 30, where the portion 1338 is removed from the flexible film 1312, a notch 1352 is located. The portion 1338 covers the self-adhesive material 1316 on the continuous capping layer 1314 and forms a grip region 1340. In addition, similarly to the previously described tongue markings, the tongue mark 1315 may be formed near or on the side seals 1304 to facilitate removal of a portion 1338 that may remain adhered to the continuous capping layer 1314.

On figa-22G illustrates another configuration of the package. On figa shows the blank 810 packaging, from which a package 805 can be formed (figb). The package blank 810 comprises a flexible film 812 with a continuous capping layer 814 and an arcuate marking line 816 below it, as shown in FIG. 22A. On Fig also illustrated the marking 815 of the tongue near the region 840 of the tongue. On the packaging blank 810 illustrated in FIG. 22A, it is also shown where fold lines 812, 823 will pass, where the seal areas 844a will form a lap seam 824, and where the seal areas 844b will form side seals 802, 804 to form the package 805. The formed package 805 illustrated in FIG. 22B comprises two side seals 802, 804 and a lap connecting the edges of the seam or seam 824. On figb also shows the marking 815 tongue and marking 816 holes (dashed lines).

The package 805 shown in FIG. 22B may be formed from two different blanks. For example, FIG. 22 shows a package blank 810 from which a package 805 may be formed with a lap seam 824. Alternatively, FIG. 22G shows a package blank 810 from which a package 805 can be formed, similar to that shown in FIG. 22B with a seam connecting the edges 24 rather than an overlap seam. If a lap seam is desired for packaging 805, the free end 846 is only near the first end 860 of the flexible film 812, as shown in FIG. 22A. Alternatively, if an edge seam is desired for packaging 805, the free end 846 is near the first end 860 and the second end 862 of the flexible film 812, as shown in FIG.

In addition, the package 805 includes an upper crease 821 and a lower crease 823. The upper crease 821 can be made on a flexible film 812 and a continuous capping layer 814. In addition, a marking 816 is made on the flexible film 812 to create an opening 836 in the package (Fig. 22B ) after the continuous capping layer 814 is separated from the flexible film 812. As shown, the marking 816, which forms the opening in the package, can be near the upper fold 821 so that the fold 821 and the continuous capping layer 814 help to avoid further tearing Nia flexible film 812 by line 816 markup. In one approach, the ends of the marking line 816 are located on or near the fold line 821. After the package 805 is opened, as shown in FIG. 22B, an opening 836 can be formed in the package by separating the portion 837 of the flexible film 812 with a continuous capping layer 814.

As shown in FIGS. 22A and 22G, a continuous capping layer 814 is located near the free end 846, which may partially form the tongue region 840. On the flexible film 812 there may be several markings 815 reeds near the area 840 reeds. Moreover, one of the reed markings 815 may form a portion 836 of the flexible film 812 that is removed from the rest of the film to cover a portion of the self-adhesive material 818 located in the reed area 840. Accordingly, the tongue region 840 includes the free end 846 of the flexible film 812 and a portion 838 of the flexible film 812 that is removed from the rest of the film 812 (and remains glued to the self-adhesive material from the underside of the continuous capping layer 814). In order to re-seal the package 805, the self-adhesive material 818 (Fig. 22B) located between the continuous capping layer 814 and the flexible film 812 can re-seal the continuous capping layer 814 with the flexible film 812 around the marking line 816, which forms the opening 836 in the package.

On Fig shows another series of blanks 610 flexible film packaging. Individual flexible film packaging 605 is formed from blanks 610 of flexible film packaging (FIG. 19). The blanks 610 comprise a continuous flexible film 612, a continuous capping layer 614, a marking 616 and a marking 615 of the tongue. In one illustrative example, the marking 616 contains an arcuate segment that connects two generally elongated straight segments. Unlike other examples, the marking 616 does not end with tear-prevented areas, i.e. hooks or J-shaped ends that serve to block or prevent tearing of the marking 616 outside the marking. According to one illustrated approach, during opening of the packaging at the end 664, the markings 616 continue to tear the flexible film 612 outside the originally formed markings 616, whereby the ends 664 of the markings 616 are ultimately combined. With this configuration, the tear line or marking 616 forms a closed portion of the flexible film 612, which can be disconnected from the flexible film 612 during opening of the package.

From a series of flexible film packaging blanks 610 comprising a continuous flexible film 612 and a continuous capping layer 614, individual packages 605 are formed comprising an extended capping layer 614 over a flexible film 612. The extended capping layer 614 extends from the leading edge 660 to the rear edge 662 of the packaging 605. In the example illustrated in FIG. 18, the dividing section 644 is in the form of a straight line. In addition, near the front edge 660 of the package 605 there is a tongue marking 615 with an arcuate configuration. In particular, the tongue marking 615 includes several spaced arcuate markings. The marking 615 of the tongue intersects the seal region 642, which forms the first end seal 626. Accordingly, when the consumer grabs the tongue region 640 by the free ends 646 and pulls upward from the package 605, the flexible film portion 638 is detached from the rest of the flexible film and covers part of the self-adhesive material 618 located on the capping layer 614 (FIG. 20). On Fig shows an additional preform 705 flexible film packaging. The preform 705 contains a flexible film 712 with a marking 716 and a continuous, extended capping layer 714 located on it. At the ends 764 of the marking there is a wavy, arched marking 766 (similar to two adjacent arcs), which blocks or prevents further tearing of the marking 716 outside the wavy arc markings 766. On the other side of the wavy, arched markings 766 is an additional arcuate markings 734 to provide additional resistance to further tearing markings 716.

Near the front edge 760 of the flexible film 712, the tongue is marked 715, which includes several repeating straight lines. In the flexible film 712 and the continuous capping layer 714, a slot 768 is made under the tongue. The slot 768 under the tongue is located between the front edge 760 of the package and the marking 715 of the tongue. In the case of packaging formed from the preform 705, the consumer can capture the tongue region 740, the front edge of which is formed by a slot 768 under the tongue, and the rear edge is formed by one of the tongue marking lines 715, which intersects with the first end seal region 742. Part of the flexible film 712 in the region 740 of the tongue is separated from the rest of the flexible film and covers the self-adhesive material located on the surface of the extended capping layer 714, which faces the film 712.

As noted above, the described packages can be formed in various ways. For example, packages may be formed in an on-line manner immediately before packaging is formed around the product or may be formed immediately before the package is filled with the product. As another example, packages can be autonomously formed long before packaging products. In the case of autonomous packaging, this can be done at a distance from the place of filling the packages with the product.

Prior to forming the flexible film package, a continuous capping layer 914 may be applied to the flexible film tape 912. In one of the examples illustrated in FIG. 23, a continuous capping layer 914 is applied to the flexible film tape 912 with self-adhesive material on one side. Self-adhesive material is on the side of the capping layer 914 that is in contact with the flexible film 912. In one configuration, the continuous capping layer 914 is wound into a roll (such as a tape roll), which is unwound and then applied to the tape of the flexible film 912. To facilitate separation of the self-adhesive film 912. material from the opposite side of the continuous capping layer 914, a release layer can be applied to the opposite surface of the capping layer 914. It is thus envisaged that between the self-adhesive material and the opposite Second side continuous closure layer 914 may be a protective layer.

According to yet another configuration illustrated in FIG. 26, the self-adhesive material 1018 is applied separately from the continuous capping layer 1014. More specifically, instead of applying the self-adhesive material to the capping layer (or film) prior to applying the capping layer to the film, the self-adhesive material 1018 can be applied at approximately the time when the capping layer is applied to the film, and during a separate process. So, after applying the self-adhesive material 1018 to the flexible film 1012, a continuous capping layer 1014 can be applied to it. According to another configuration, the self-adhesive material 1018 can be applied to the continuous capping layer 1014 immediately before applying the capping layer 1014 to the film 1012.

On Fig and 25 illustrate examples of cross-sections shown in Fig.23. As noted above, the packages may contain release paint 970. As shown, release paint 970 can be sandwiched between self-adhesive material 918 and flexible film 912. In addition, as shown in FIG. 24, release paint 970 can be directly below the continuous capping layer 914. According to another configuration illustrated in FIG. 25, the release paint 970 may be outside the continuous capping layer 914, and in some configurations it may be across the entire width of the flexible film 91 2.

FIG. 27 illustrates one example of a process 1100 for manufacturing a series of flexible film packaging preforms during an autonomous process. With this configuration, a continuous capping layer 1114 (which may have a smaller width than the width of the roll of tape of the flexible film 1112) can be applied to a portion of the tape of the flexible film 1112. In addition, marking by means of a mechanism 1172 can be made at least on the flexible film 1112. markup formation. As noted above, the marking can be formed on the inner surface of the package, i.e. on the side of the flexible film opposite to the capping layer. In addition, if the marking is formed in a continuous capping layer 1114 (in part or all of the depth of the capping layer), as shown in FIG. 11, another marking formation mechanism 1174 (illustrated by dashed lines in FIG. 27) may be used. In addition, although one marking forming mechanism 1174 1172 is illustrated by which both marking providing a hole in the package and marking that partially forms the tongue region can be formed, these markings can also be formed using two separate marking forming mechanisms 1174.

Then, the laminate containing the marked tape of the flexible film 1112 and the continuous capping layer 1114 can be wound into a roll 1184. This roll 1184 of the laminate can be subsequently delivered to the packaging line for use in forming individual packages filled with the product. The packaging line may be in the same factory as the equipment for manufacturing the laminate, illustrated in FIG. 27, or alternatively, the equipment for manufacturing the laminate may be located away from the packaging company.

FIG. 28 illustrates one example of an in-line process 1200 for manufacturing flexible film packages. According to one approach, a continuous capping layer 1214 is applied to the continuous flexible film 1212. Marking mechanisms 1272 may mark the inner surfaces of the package. As noted above, if the marking is formed in a continuous capping layer 1214, the marking forming mechanisms 1274 can be located near the continuous capping layer 1214. Then, a forming or folding mechanism 1278, such as a forming sleeve, can be used to wrap the flexible film 1212 and the capping layer 1214 around the product or give a configuration that allows you to save subsequently placed product. A filling mechanism 1277 can be used to fill the partially formed film strip with the product. After the flexible film 1212 and the continuous capping layer 1214 are filled with the product 1280, another forming or folding mechanism 1279 can be installed in the position immediately before the packaging matrix 1282 (both of these functions also can be performed by a combined forming mechanism and packing matrix). The packaging matrix 1282 may include a knife for forming a separation cut between the packages, as well as heat sealing rods for forming the end seals of the package. In addition, the packaging matrix 1282 can also form a longitudinal seal, although the longitudinal seal can also be formed independently. Although FIG. 28 illustrates a horizontal forming configuration, the processes described in the invention can also be carried out with a vertical configuration.

In addition, although these two schematic views illustrate two examples of how packages are formed with some of the configurations described in the invention, additional elements may be used to form some packages. For example, to form a package from the workpiece 705 (Fig. 21), an assembly for cutting reeds can be additionally used.

Consider FIGS. 31-34, which show various configurations of a packaging manufactured by the in-line wrapping process, generally indicated at 10 ′. In addition, FIGS. 35-38 illustrate the packages 10 ′ shown in FIGS. 31-34 with the corresponding open configuration. FIGS. 39-43 illustrate some of these packages at various stages of manufacture. In addition, FIGS. 46-50 illustrate further configurations of the marking line labels.

By bonding the opposite sides of the flexible film 12 'to each other to form a seal 14', a package 10 'with various configurations can be formed. In one approach, a sealing layer is preferably provided on the inner surface of the flexible film 12 '. End seals, such as front and rear end seals 18 ′, 20 ′, may also be provided. According to one approach, the front end seal 20 'may be a non-peeling seal, i.e. a destructive seal, the sealing layers of which are bonded and do not separate from each other when torn, such as shown in Figs. 32, 34, 46-47. According to another approach, the front end seal 20 'is a flaky seal, i.e. a seal, the sealing layers of which may be torn or separated from one another, such as shown in FIGS. 31 and 33. Typically, at least one of the end seals of the package may be a non-peelable weld, such as a rear end seal 18 ′.

The end seals of traditional film packaging may not allow the user to easily open the package beyond the end seal itself, especially if the free ends adjacent to the periphery of the end seals or unsealed portions are very small or missing. With such configurations, the body of the film packaging body can be gripped to tear apart the packaging panels and open it. As described in the invention, a tongue region may be provided to facilitate opening the package. In one example, the front end seal 20 'has a pair of tongues 22' (one at the top and bottom of the flexible film) that are formed at the periphery of the end seal 20 '. As shown, the tongues 22 'are radial tongues, although other shapes are possible. The tongues 22 'provide a grip for the fingers to begin opening the package. The rear edge 24 'of the package has a concave radial shape corresponding to the shape of the tongue 22' near the front edge. Mutually complementary shapes are added to the leading and trailing edges when the package 10 ' manufactured by the continuous wrapping method is formed or separated from the film roll, or when the packages are separated from each other.

In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 31, the front end seal 20 ′ may be peelable. Peelability can be achieved by using a sealing layer on the inner surface of the film 12 '. A peelable end seal can be formed by heating the seal region to a temperature of from about 85 to 205 ° C., although the peelability of the seal depends on the heating interval used, the productivity of the process line, and the film thickness. Typically, the higher the temperature, the lower the peelability and the stronger the seal. In addition, the peelability and strength of the seal can be adjusted by using patterns or notches. For example, if the self-adhesive material does not completely cover the entire surface area of the label 40, with this configuration, a self-adhesive material with a patterned configuration such as a mesh structure can be used. According to another approach, a notch-shaped structure can be applied to the welding tongs to create welds.

As noted above, on the flexible film 12 ', laser markings can be provided or formed mechanically or by means of a rotary die cutting die, which can indicate a hole in the package and / or a tongue area. The marking can be applied to the surface of the film, which becomes the inner surface of the package. In addition, die-cutting or laser marking of the film 12 'is not limited to a particular caliber of material or composition. Thus, a variety of films can be used in packages, which gives a certain flexibility to the package and the process of forming the package. In addition, due to this, the profitability of the product can be increased in comparison with the prior art. The marking 42 'may have at least lower tensile strength than the strength of the self-adhesive material 30', which allows peeling part of the film 12 'with the label 40'.

According to one approach, the marking 42 'passes only through part of the package to avoid negative effects on the barrier properties of the package 10'. If the 42 ”marking is a partial-depth marking line, the label 40 ′ should not, but does not necessarily, provide an initial sealed barrier. According to another approach, the marking 42 'extends over the entire depth of the packaging film. The optional barrier properties of the label 40 ′ may be provided by a characteristic inherent in the label material, or by a barrier layer that is further provided with the label 40 ′ (not shown). Moreover, with a configuration in which the marking 42 'can affect the barrier properties of the film 12', the label 40 'can be designed to compensate for the deterioration of the barrier properties.

The packaging 10 'can use a variety of marking lines with a variety of configurations. For example, depending on packaging materials, configuration, and product characteristics, the desired opening in the package and tongue may vary. The seal area or end seal may stop or block the distribution of the marking, or the marking circuit itself may be configured to perform such a function. In FIGS. 31-34 and 46, several possible configurations are illustrated.

As shown in FIG. 31, the marking line 42a ′ begins at the leading edge of the package (near the end seal 20 ′) with two marking lines that extend backward, turn inward and merge to form a single line of tearing that ends with the arcuate portion 56 'considered Further. With this configuration, the consumer can grab the unsealed lower layer of the tongue 22 'with one hand and peel the 40 ”label and the tongue 22' from the upper film 12 'with the other hand. The upper portion of the tongue 22 'may peel back and expose the hole 44'. After the opening 44 'has been exposed, the label 44' can be used to reseal the package 10 '. As shown in FIG. 35, the label 40 ′ may be torn from the package 10 ′ to expose the product 46 ′; however, during use, the label 40 'is preferably not torn entirely from the package 10'. To prevent tearing of the label 40 'from the package 10', the rear end seal 18 'may comprise a permanent, non-peeling seal to hold the label 40' on the film 12 '.

Figures 32-34 illustrate an additional configuration of markings 42b ', 42c', 42e '. They can be straight lines, arched lines, or a combination thereof. Although the marking 42a 'extends to the front end seal 20', the markings 42b ', 42c', 42e 'are located between the end seals 18', 20 'of one package 10'. Marking lines, such as 42 s 'and 42e', can serve to form a portion or cut-out on the film 12 'that is completely separated from the rest of the film 12' (see Figs. 37 and 38). In addition, the marking lines, such as 42a ', 42b', 42d ', may contain an endpoint that serves to prevent or block the further distribution of the marking lines for the marking made on the film during the manufacturing process.

In order to facilitate the grip and tearing of the tongue 22 ', an adhesive-free region 50' may be provided on the label 40 '. Although in some of the configurations previously described, a portion 38 of the flexible film 12 was provided peeling upward from the rest of the package, in other configurations (such as shown in FIG. 33), the packages may not have a tab marking to form a portion 38 detachable from the flexible film. If only the capping layer or label is separated from the film at the end seal, the grip tab area is formed in a different way. For example, the tongue 22 'may be formed without applying self-adhesive material to it. As shown in FIG. 37, a non-adherent or non-adhesive region 50 ′ may be used to form the tongue 22 ′. In addition, a neutralizing agent can be used to neutralize the adhesive applied to it. For example, the neutralization of the adhesive material on the tongue 22 'can be carried out by coating, such as paint or varnish. In addition, the continuous capping layer or label 40 'can be folded in half, resulting in a non-stick area that can form a tongue 22'. If only the label 40 'is separated from it during formation of the opening (i.e., a certain part does not separate from the rest of the film), the front end seal near the tongue 22' can reach the front edge of the package or the separation cut that forms the package.

As described above, in addition to the non-adhesive area or the area with neutralized adhesive material, a non-stick tongue can be formed due to the fact that part of the film covers the adhesive material. In general, part of the film 12 'can be separated from the rest of the film 12' to cover the adhesive material. As shown, for example, in FIG. 32, the top layer of the end seal 20 ′ of the film 12 ′ may be further provided with a marking line 42d, such as a crescent-shaped line for separating a portion of the film 12 ′ along it. As shown in FIG. 32, the upper layer of the tongue 22 ′ is not connected (or is peeling) with the lower layer of the tongue 22 ′, since the labeled detachable portion of the film 12 ′ remains glued to the label 40 ′, as illustrated by the labeled notch 42d ′. In one of the configurations illustrated in FIG. 36, the front end seal 20 ′ is preferably a non-peelable, permanent seal that remains intact even after the label 40 ′ is torn off and the packaging is opened and capped. Moreover, the package 10 ′ can be opened by peeling the resealable label 40 ′ upward from the non-peeling seal between the layers of the film without breaking the end seal 20 ′. A similar packaging configuration is illustrated in FIG.

In use, exposed marking lines tend to continue to spread tearing. In particular, after the film is separated along the marking line, as the film is further divided or torn along the marking line, the film will break further beyond the point at which the marking line was originally formed on the film. Accordingly, the marking lines can be configured to block or counteract this trend. For example, in FIGS. 31 and 34, an arcuate portion 56 ′ is shown at the end or end point of the marking line 42a ′. On Fig illustrated "shepherd's staff" or a J-shaped hook at the end point of the marking line 42b '. FIG. 33 illustrates a closed line marking line 42c ′, which also helps to prevent unwanted tearing of the film 12 ′. Fig. 46 illustrates a marking line 42f extending to a permanent rear end seal 18 '.

In addition to section 56 ', the marking line 42a' also contains one straight section, which is divided into two parts, turned outward, and then extending parallel to each other closer to the front end seal. The marking line 42a ′ reaches the leading edge of the package 10 ′. Fig. 34 shows a marking line 42e 'similar to the line shown in Fig. 31, except that before the marking line 42e' reaches the front end seal 20 ', it rotates inward and turns into a closed loop. As shown in Fig. 38, the package 10 'in Fig. 34 contains a portion of the film 12', which is separated from the rest of the film 12 '.

As described above, a continuous capping layer or label 40 'can be applied to the outside of the film 12', which faces the packaging 10 ', preferably using a self-adhesive material. Label 40 ′ preferably covers at least a marking line 42 ′. The delamination resistance of the surface of the package 10 'and the label 40' exceeds the force required to separate the sides of the marking line 42 '. Moreover, the label 40 'is capable of exfoliating from the package 10'. For example, FIGS. 36 and 37 show a portion of the film 12 ′ adhered to the label 40 ′ and a self-adhesive material thereon to form an opening in the package 44 ′. Accordingly, if you pull on the tongue 22 ', the breaking or separation of the marking line 42' is initiated. In one illustrative embodiment, the self-adhesive material can be configured, for example, so that the opening force (separation) was about 350 grams / inch and the force corking (gluing) was about 200 grams / inch. In addition, it is envisaged that other ranges of opening and closing efforts are included in the scope of the embodiments.

Label 40 'may be any film coated with an adhesive material, such as, for example, a flexible film with a self-adhesive material, a tape, a label or a label without a liner, which is continuously applied in the longitudinal direction to the film, in contrast to prior art separate labels. According to one approach, a label without a spacer may be a face material coated with a self-adhesive material on one side that can be wound onto a spool without spacing. For example, a release layer may be applied to the side of the label opposite the side with self-adhesive material. Facing materials may include, for example, standard paper, film, plastic, fabric, foil, thermal paper, and the like. In addition, there are known labels without gaskets with detachable and reinstallable adhesive materials.

If a tape or label is used without a gasket, wasteful gasket waste is excluded. In addition, due to the fact that the label is continuously applied to the packaging film, the exact alignment of the label on each package is no longer required. Although the package 10 'can be formed using a continuously applied label 40', the package 10 'can also be formed using a separate label, the label 40b', 40 s ', 40d', as shown in FIGS. 47-49.

As noted above, to facilitate the formation of the tongue, additional marking may be used, such as the tongue markup 15 discussed above. As shown in FIGS. 32 and 34, the package 10 ′ may be further provided with a marking 42d ′ facilitating tearing of the film 12 ′ by forming a detachable part that is able to adhere to the tongue 22 ′. Figures 36 and 38 also show that the user can squeeze and pull the laminate structure (including the upper film 12 'and the label 40') back to open the package 10 '. In this case, the marking 42d 'is separated or torn, as a result of which part of the film 12' is separated from the rest of the film, and self-adhesive material 30 is exposed on the back of the label 40 '. Due to this, part of the film 12' can remain on the label 40 'and provide a tongue without exposed adhesive material, and sufficient adhesive material is provided on the label 40 'to cover and surround the hole 44'. During opening and resealing of the package 10 ', the front end seal 30' also remains intact, despite the separation of part of the film 12 'near the front end seal 30'.

According to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 50, a marking line 42g 'is provided that is within the end seals 18', 20 ', and a marking line 42i' that is located at the end seal 20 '. In particular, the marking line 42g 'made on the film 12' contains a slightly curved section connecting two parallel sections. The slightly arcuate length of the marking line 42 is close to the end seal 20 ', and the parallel segments extend to the end seal 18'. Marking line 42i 'contains several straight parallel lines made on the film 12'. Due to the plurality of lines, it is easier to guarantee that at least one of the plurality of lines is far and near the end seal 20 ′. Thus, one of the many marking lines 42i 'allows you to separate part of the film 12' from the rest of the film 12 'and cover the self-adhesive material on the label 40'. Moreover, in order to separate part of the film 12 'for forming the tongue, at least part of the marking line 42i' is preferably located on the film 12 'outside the interior of the package 10', i.e. not between the end seals 18 ', 20'. In a word, due to the many marking lines near the end seal and at a distance from it, the tongue can be created even if the packaging elements are incorrectly combined during the manufacturing process.

Flexible film packaging 10 'can be formed and assembled in a variety of ways. On Fig -45 schematically illustrates one example of a process 60 'of the formation of flexible film packaging. In one configuration, the opposite sides of the film 12 'can be joined to form a connecting edge of the seam 14', which indicates the height and interior space of the package. More specifically, the edge-connecting seam 14 'can be formed by joining together the two edges of the film and sealing them with heated disks. A sealing layer may be applied to the film 12 'to help form a seal of the desired type. Although the sealing or internal adhesive material can be applied in such a way as to cover the entire inner surface of the film 12 ', it can also be applied only where necessary to provide a seal, i.e. near the end and connecting the edges of the seams.

End seals 18 ', 20' can be formed by placing the product 46 'in the interior of the package 10'. End seals 18 ', 20' may also indicate packaging 10 'in width or length. The seals 14 ', 18', 20 'are preferably hermetic seals that form a gas-tight and waterproof layer. Similar to the other considered seals, the seals 14 ', 18', 20 'can be thermoformed (i.e. thermally welded) or can be formed by other welding methods. In configurations in which the end seal 20 'is peelable, a low tack adhesive material or a cold seal can be used and the process of forming such seals. In addition, templates, corrugations or notches can be used in the end seals 18 ', 20'.

As noted, the label 40 'can be continuously applied along the length of the tape of the film 12'. After the products are at least partially placed and corked inside the film strip 12 ', the laminated film and label structure can be cut into individual packages. On Fig and 42 shows a series of formed packages that are not yet separated from each other. According to one illustrative configuration, the tongues 22 'can be partially formed by an arcuate notch 42d' partially formed on a roll of film and at least partially located on the front end seal 20 '. When individual packages are cut from a roll of laminate, a leading edge or tongue contour 22 'may be formed. For example, the front seal on the first package has a contour matching the rear seal on the second package. Thus, the tongue 22 'may have an arcuate leading edge, partially formed by the front edge of the package, and may have an arcuate rear edge, partially formed by the arcuate marking line 42d.

As described in the invention, thermal welding mechanisms, cold sealing mechanisms, mechanisms for extruding and layering adhesive material, and co-extrusion mechanisms can be used in the method for manufacturing and assembling packages. The equipment used may depend on the desired packaging configuration. For example, if the tongue 22 'contains a cut-out portion of the film 12' adhered to the label 40 ', the tongue 22' can be created by gluing or applying the label 40 'to the film 12' and marking and / or cutting the tongue 22 '. In addition, different marking configurations may be used, and equipment for forming marking lines may depend on the marking configuration.

44, an example of a packaging method 60 ′ may include a step in which the packaging machine places the film over or near the product, then partially wraps the film around the product to form a joint edge joint on one side of the product. As shown, the film 12 'and the label 40' (which may be transparent) are connected as they arrive from the respective feed rolls. Prior to bonding with the label 40 ′, the surface of the film 12 ′ facing the inside of the package can be marked at the marking portion 52 ′, although the top surface can also be marked. According to another configuration, the label 40 'is preferably connected to the film 12' before entering the marking portion 52 '. As noted above, markup can be formed in various ways. When forming from a layered structure of a film 12 ′ and a label 40 ′ a container or box 34 ′ around the product 46 ′ (see also FIG. 45), an edge joint 14 ′ can be formed. Although FIGS. 44 and 45 show that the edge connecting seam 14 ′ is at the bottom of the package 10 ′, it can also be on either side of the package 10 ′.

According to one approach, heated discs that press against each other can be used to form packaging seams. For example, if sealing layers are used, heat may be used to activate the heat sealable sealing layer on the inner surface of the package. In one configuration, the EVA sealing layer is on the 12 'film, and the discs can be heated to a temperature of about 85 to 205 ° C. As noted above, the formation of seals, including peelability and tightness, can be affected by production line performance, film thickness, and other factors.

Fig. 44 shows that after the product 46 'is at least partially wrapped with a film 12', end seals 18 ', 20' can be formed using the upper and lower welding tongs 62 'nearby, as described below. Welding tongs 62 'can form end seals of the package (such as welds), and can also form or mark tongues 22', such as, for example, the region of the tongue between end seals 18 ', 20'. In a configuration with activated welds, the welding tongs 62 'may be heated by a heating element (not shown). Furthermore, when different levels of peelability are desired between the rear end seal 18 'and the front end seal 20', separate heating elements can be used. In addition, to completely separate individual packages or, alternatively, partially cut or perforate a portion between packages, holding them together and at the same time providing a convenient way to separate packages, when desired, a cutting device can be used.

The edge jointing seam 14 ′ and the end seals 18 ′, 20 ′ may optionally be formed by patterns printed on heated disks 38 ′ or welding pliers 62 ′ that can profile the film 12 ′ as it passes through the process. For example, the welding tongs 62 'can rotate together with the tape of the film 12' as it moves through the production line and connected to form the end seals 18 ', 20', while the welding tongs 62 'can also form a tongue 22' and (or) separate the packaging from the film. Alternatively, the film 12 'may be cut with a recess die. As the welding jaws 62 'form the front end seal 20' on one package, the welding jaws 62 'can form the rear end seal 18' on the other package. In a configuration in which the welding jaws 62 'form in one operation both the rear end seal 18' and the front end seal 20 ', a space is provided in the matrix in which the film 12' is not sealed. This space corresponds to the space 42 'between the seals of adjacent packages. The free, unsealed portions of the packages 10 ′ between the end seals 18 ′ 20 ′ of the adjacent packages (illustrated by 42 ′ in FIG. 43) may have a size of 64 ′ from about 6 to 12 mm. A tongue 22 'is mainly formed in this portion of the package 10', although the trailing edge may partially extend to the front end seal 20 '. If the welding jaws 62 'simultaneously form two seals 18', 20 'of adjacent packages, size 64' is limited by the distance between the areas of the end seals in the matrix. Alternatively, the two end seals 18 ', 20' can be formed by two separate matrices (as opposed to one matrix with two separate areas for two end seals) or one matrix that is re-placed on the film to form two end seals.

The packages described in the invention may also be given optional or alternative properties. For example, as shown in FIG. 37, the package may further comprise an optional frame 32 ′. The film 12 'can be wrapped around the frame 32' to protect the product 44 '. Additional packaging configurations, such as a vertical bag, can also use the described sealing and re-sealing properties, in particular for packaging specific products such as coffee.

Other alternative properties may include a separate label as opposed to a continuous capping layer or label. The package 10 'may contain a separate exactly matching label and provide other sealing and re-sealing properties. For example, FIG. 37 shows a package 10 ′ with a separate label 54 ′, which may be located between the end seals 20 ′ and 18 ′. The unsealed area may extend beyond the front end seal 20. FIG. 38 illustrates another package 10 'with a separate label 54' applied to the film 12 'so that one end of the label 54' can be connected to the rear end seal 18 'of the package 10 'and the label cannot be easily detached from the 10' package.

Although the embodiments connecting the edges of the seam are described in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 31-50, an overlap seam may also be used. A lap seam can be formed by partially overlapping each other on the first and second surfaces of the film (usually adjacent edges of the film) to form a sleeve (as opposed to aligning in the same plane in the case of a connecting edge of the seam).

On Fig illustrates another manufactured by the method of continuous wrapping package 10 ". A 10 ”package is formed by joining opposite sides of the film to form a seam (shown as a 14” seam connecting the edges). A sealing layer is preferably located on the inner surface of the 12 ”film. In addition, an 18 ”rear end seal and a 20” front end seal are also provided. In one configuration, the 20 ”front end seal is non-peelable. The package 10 ”can be formed by a continuous method, such as described above with reference to FIG. 1, or by a method using internal and external punching (see, for example, FIG. 69), or also by applying individual labels (see, for example, FIG. .68).

As described above, since the marking lines tend to propagate the gap formed in the film, the marking can be configured to block or prevent unwanted tearing of the film. The marking 42 ”may contain a structure for easing this tendency, including, for example, a double J-shaped hook (Fig. 53), an arc (Fig. 54), a teardrop (Fig. 56). In addition, a shepherd’s stick structure and a single J-hook can be used.

Figures 52-56 illustrate various 42 ”film marking patterns that can be used in the film packages described in the invention. In Fig. 52, for example, T-shaped marking 42 ”is illustrated with a straight section 42a” and profiled initial sections 28a ”. Fig. 53 illustrates the marking in the form of a J-shaped hook with an arcuate section 42b ”and a shepherd’s stick structure 28b” at one end and two arcuate or J-shaped sections at the other end. Fig. 54 illustrates a 42 "marking with a round or loop-shaped opening 28c" and a generally straight segment 42a "that ends in an arcuate portion. Fig. 55 illustrates a marking 42 ”of a spoon-shaped shape 28d”, which boils down to two generally straight and predominantly parallel marking lines 42c ”that end in an arcuate portion. When the parallel marking is made on the 12 ”film, such as illustrated in FIG. 55, the parallel marking lines are preferably no more than 5 mm apart from each other. 56, a 42 ”marking is illustrated with a shepherd’s stick configuration 28e at each end and an arcuate segment 42b” between them.

Depending on the 42 ”marking used in the package, a large enough hole may be created in it to easily access a significant portion of the product contained in the package. Moreover, with some configurations, the tendency of the flexible film to create a significant hole is partially due to the tendency of the flexible film to return to its flat sheet shape. This trend may be particularly evident in the case of individual stacks of products of a generally round or oval shape, such as cylindrical packaging of round cookies, crackers or biscuits, as just a few examples. This occurs mainly when the frame is not used inside the flexible film packaging.

Alternatively, the 42 ”marking may be a straight line extending in the longitudinal direction in whole or in part along the length of the package, as shown in FIG. 63. In one configuration, a 42 ”marking can be continuously made in the 12” packaging film, and at the point where the end seals 18 ”, 20” are formed, the seal used in the 12 ”films can be welded, which then strips the 42 marking ”Functionality on end seals 18”, 20 ”and prevents unwanted opening of the package at the seal

As described above, the front end seal 20 ”, as well as the front end seal 20 ′, may have a tongue 22” away from it. In one approach, the 22 ”tongue may be a V-shaped tongue, although other configurations such as a square or radial tongue are possible. The tongue 22 "provides a grip for the fingers to initiate the opening of the package 10". The rear edge of the package may have a concave shape corresponding to the shape of the front edge of the tongue 22 ”. The 20 ”front end seal may be peelable, i.e. contain sealing layers capable of being separated from each other.

As shown in FIG. 51, the 40 ”label can be gripped and pulled up from the 10” package to expose the marking line 42a ”and the opening 44” in the package. Between the 40 ”label and the 12” film is a 30 ”self-adhesive material. As described above, at the location of the tongue 22 ”, the marking can pass through the film 12”, as a result of which a portion of the flexible film 12 ”can be separated from the rest of the film and provide a non-stick grip area. In addition, a non-stick grip area can be formed by neutralizing the adhesive material over the 22 ”tongue or applying the adhesive material to the 40” label or 12 ”film according to the template so that there is no adhesive material on the portion of the 40” label that becomes the tongue 22 ”.

Fig. 57 illustrates another 10 ”package with an unsealed inner surface 50” of the tongue, which the consumer can grab with one hand and grab the package with the other. The 40 ”label can then be pulled back to expose the 44” hole, as shown in FIG. Since the 40 ”label is preferably not completely torn off from the 10” package during use, the 18 ”rear end seal may be a non-peeling or permanent seal between the 40” label and the 12 ”film. Alternatively, in some configurations, it is envisaged that the 40 ”label can be peeled off from both ends of the 10” package, and accordingly, both end seals can be peelable. For example, along with a 40 ”label and two tabs at both ends of a 10” package, the 42 ”marking illustrated in FIG. 6 can be used. This allows the user to open the 10 ”package from either end, with re-closable seals provided for both holes.

As described above, a 10 ”package can be formed in a variety of ways. In one of the packages illustrated in FIG. 69, the 12 ”multilayer film comprises at least two polymer film layers 12a” and 12b ”glued with 30” self-adhesive material. In layer 12a ”, marking 58” can be made to create a 40 ”label. In the layer 12b ”, marking 42” can be made to mark the hole 44 ”. The marking may be carried out before or after layering of the layers 12a, 12b, but preferably after layering. With this configuration, the film thickness can be from about 1.8 to 3.0 mil. According to one approach, with a configuration of this type, the film thickness may be about 2.1 mil

On Fig illustrates one example of a process 60 "forming a film package 10". The process 60 ”is similar to that described above and illustrated in FIG. 44. On Fig schematically illustrates a cross-section of the welding tongs that can be used in the 60 ”process.

In the various flexible film packaging configurations described in the invention, a means for indicating packaging integrity may be provided so that the consumer can know whether the packaging has previously been opened.

In one approach, after a consumer has removed a portion of a product from a flexible film package, the flexible film can be rolled, folded, or otherwise flattened to remove air from the inside of the package. Then, an extended capping layer 14 can be wrapped around the rolled film and the product inside the package to reduce packaging and leave less air space and thereby increase the shelf life of the product (see, for example, FIG. 59). Such configurations are typically used in packages without a structural support structure, such as a frame or tray; however, it is also contemplated that such a configuration can be applied with some supporting structures depending on the configuration of the structural supporting structure and the flexible film.

Those skilled in the art will agree that the described embodiments allow for various improvements, changes, and combinations that do not fall within the scope of the invention, and that such improvements, changes, and combinations should be considered as part of the inventive concept.

Claims (54)

1. A package containing:
a flexible film denoting an internal space for contents and having a first pair of opposing edge portions forming a first seal, a second pair of opposing edge portions forming a second seal, and a third pair of opposing edge portions forming a longitudinal seal extending from the first seal to the second seal,
marking on a flexible film, indicating the hole leading to the inner space for the contents after the initial opening,
an extended capping layer extending along the third edge sections from the first seal to the second seal and over the marking,
self-adhesive material located between the flexible film and the extended capping layer, and
an extended capping layer comprising a non-stick grip area, the non-stick grip area detaching at least a portion of the extended capping layer from the flexible film to form an opening leading to the interior of the contents. 2. Packaging according to claim 1, in which the non-sticking area of the grip extends beyond the first seal. 3. The packaging according to claim 2, in which the non-adhesive region of the grip has a first shape, and the second seal contains a detached part having a second shape. 4. The packaging according to claim 3, in which the first form and the second form are the same. 5. The packaging according to claim 1, in which the non-adhesive area of the capture contains part of an extended capping layer, folded and glued to itself. 6. The packaging according to claim 1, in which the non-adhesive region of the capture of the extended capping layer contains a substance that neutralizes the adhesive material. 7. The packaging according to claim 1, in which the non-adhesive region of the capture of an extended capping layer does not contain a self-adhesive material. 8. The packaging according to claim 1, in which the non-adhesive area of the capture has an arched leading edge. 9. Packaging according to claim 8, in which the arcuate leading edge extends over the entire width of the extended capping layer. 10. The packaging according to claim 1, in which the flexible film has a predetermined width between a third pair of opposing edge portions, and an extended capping layer extends for less than half the width. 11. The packaging according to claim 1, in which an extended capping layer extends beyond the marking and covers the marginal space around the marking, sufficient for effective re-sealing of the hole after the initial opening of the marking. 12. Packaging according to claim 1, in which an extended capping layer contains a label. 13. The packaging according to claim 1, in which the extended sealing layer contains a second flexible film, while between the flexible film and the second flexible film is a self-adhesive material. 14. The packaging according to claim 1, in which the flexible film has a layered structure. 15. The packaging of claim 14, wherein the flexible film has a coextruded film structure. 16. The packaging according to claim 1, in which the marking passes through the thickness of the flexible film. 17. The packaging according to claim 1, in which the marking partially passes through the thickness of the flexible film. 18. The packaging according to claim 1, additionally containing a tray located inside the flexible film. 19. The packaging of claim 1, wherein the first seal comprises a non-peelable seal. 20. The packaging according to claim 1, in which the first seal contains a peeling seal. 21. The packaging according to claim 20, in which the marking extends to the peeling seal. 22. The packaging according to claim 1, in which the second seal contains a non-peelable seal to block the disconnection of the extended capping layer from the flexible film. 23. The packaging of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of individual food products within the packaging. 24. The package of claim 23, wherein as the plurality of individual food products are removed from the package, the flexible film is compressed and the compressed film is wrapped with an extended sealing layer, whereby the self-adhesive material adheres to the opposite side of the package. 25. The packaging according to claim 1, in which the marking is a straight line, or an arc, or a combination thereof. 26. The packaging according to claim 1, in which the marking contains a pair of parallel marking lines. 27. The package according to claim 1, in which the marking contains a front end portion configured to propagate the trend of the gap. 28. The packaging according to claim 27, in which the front end of the marking has one of the following configurations: loop-shaped, T-shaped, shepherd’s staff and teardrop-shaped. 29. The package according to claim 1, in which the marking comprises a rear end portion configured to resist tearing of the film outside the marking. 30. The packaging according to claim 29, in which the rear end of the marking has one of the following configurations: the shape of a single J-shaped hook, the shape of a double J-shaped hook, the shape of the arc, the shape of the shepherd’s staff, the shape of the dovetail and the shape of the continuation of the rear end seal . 31. The packaging according to claim 1, in which the marking has a U-shaped configuration. 32. The packaging according to claim 1, in which the marking is applied to the inner side of the film tape. 33. The package according to claim 1, further comprising marking the tab on the flexible film near the first seal, which allows you to separate part of the flexible film from the rest of the flexible film and to form at least part of the non-adhesive area of the capture. 34. The packaging according to p. 33, in which the markup of the tongue contains a layout template. 35. The packaging according to p. 34, in which the layout template contains at least one of the following: a straight line, or an arched line, or a combination thereof. 36. A method of in-line packaging of products in a series of packages in which:
forming a marking on a part of a continuous tape of a flexible film having a longitudinal axis,
using a self-adhesive material, a continuous capping layer is applied along the longitudinal axis to a part of the width of the continuous tape of the flexible film,
forming a continuous longitudinal seal from the first pair of opposite edges of the continuous tape of the flexible film,
forming a first seal from a second pair of opposite edges and a second seal from a second pair of opposite edges, and
form a non-sticking grip area near one of the following: first and second seals. 37. The method according to p. 36, in which additionally form on a continuous capping layer marking of the capping layer near the non-adhesive area of the capture. 38. A layered material for the manufacture of flexible packaging, containing:
continuous tape flexible film having a width and a longitudinal axis,
a continuous capping layer applied with a self-adhesive material to a part of the width of the continuous tape of the flexible film along the longitudinal axis, and
in this case, a series of blanks forming a package is formed from a continuous tape and a continuous capping layer, the first marking is made on the flexible film of each identical blank forming the package, which subsequently forms an opening in the package when the continuous capping layer is separated from the flexible film, and
each blank contains a non-sticking grip region, subsequently partially indicated by a second marking, in the transition region between adjacent blanks from a series of blanks forming a package. 39. The method of continuous packaging of products in a series of packages, in which:
supplying a continuous film tape, the longitudinal edges of which are spaced apart by a predetermined width,
connect the continuous capping layer with a continuous film tape not over the entire specified width,
the adhesive material is placed between the continuous capping layer and the continuous film tape,
marking the continuous film tape corresponding to the continuous capping layer to indicate a hole in the continuous film tape after the initial opening as a result of removing the continuous capping layer,
place packaged products in a series of packages,
wrap a continuous film tape with a continuous capping layer around the products,
forming a longitudinal seal along the longitudinal edges,
forming a front seal and a rear seal between adjacent packages from a series of packages, and
where a continuous capping layer extends from the front to the rear seal and between the longitudinal edges of the continuous film tape. 40. The method of claim 39, further comprising the step of separating the front and rear seals of adjacent packages. 41. The method according to p. 40, in which at the stage of separation of the front and rear seals of adjacent packages carry out transverse cutting of the front and rear seals. 42. The method of claim 39, comprising the step of forming a non-stick tongue for gripping comprising a portion of a continuous closure layer. 43. The method according to p. 42, in which at the stage of forming a non-stick tongue for gripping cut part of the rear seal and the continuous capping layer of the previous package from a series of packages. 44. The method according to p. 43, in which at the stage of forming a non-stick tongue for gripping, a part of the rear seal and the previous package is cut from a series of packages in order to obtain an arched edge. 45. The method according to p. 42, in which at the stage of forming a non-stick tongue for capture use part of a continuous capping layer that does not contain adhesive material. 46. The method according to p. 42, in which at the stage of forming a non-adhesive tongue for gripping, a neutralizing agent is applied to the adhesive material corresponding to the non-adhesive tongue for gripping. 47. The method according to p. 42, in which at the stage of formation of a non-stick tongue for gripping fold part of the continuous capping layer on itself. 48. The method according to p. 39, in which at the stage of placing the adhesive material between the continuous capping layer and the film tape, the adhesive material is independently applied to the continuous capping layer. 49. The method of claim 48, wherein the continuous capping layer comprises a gasket that is removed during in-line manufacturing. 50. The method of claim 39, wherein the products are food products. 51. The method according to p. 50, in which at the stage of placing products place products in a tray. 52. The method according to claim 39, wherein the step of marking the film corresponding to the continuous capping layer in order to designate an opening in the film after the initial tearing as a result of removal of the continuous capping layer is carried out after the stages of connecting the continuous capping layer to the film tape not over the entire specified width and placing adhesive material between the continuous capping layer and the film tape. 53. Flexible film packaging containing:
a flexible film having two opposite edge portions forming a longitudinal seal extending from the first end seal to the second end seal,
marking on a flexible film, which indicates a hole in the package after the initial opening,
an extended capping layer extending along the edge sections from the first end seal to the second end seal and over the marking,
self-adhesive material located between the flexible film and the extended capping layer, and
an extended capping layer comprising a non-sticking grip region to detach at least a portion of the extended capping layer from the flexible film and forming an opening in the package. 54. A method of manufacturing a flexible packaging, in which:
forming a marking on a part of a continuous tape of a flexible film having a longitudinal axis,
using a self-adhesive material, a continuous capping layer is applied along the longitudinal axis to a part of the width of the continuous tape of the flexible film,
form a continuous longitudinal seal from two opposite edges of a continuous tape of a flexible film,
form the first end seal and the second end seal, and
form a non-stick grip area at the first end of the flexible package.

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