Package with tear element

Abstract

Abstract A package with a stretchable tear element for opening the package. In a preferred embodiment the tear element extends over a packaged article and beneath a covering plastic film formed over the article to secure the article to a supporting panel. The tear element is capable of stretching sufficiently, when the plastic film is drawn down in a softened condition over the product to form the package, so that the film can conform itself and the tear element substantially to the shape of the product and any tendency of the film to form a tent across an initial span of the tear element is minimized. The tear element further stretches, in part within the package, when one end is pulled back across the film so that a portion of the element moves past the film at the exit point, producing a slicing or sawing action, while at the same time it remains essentially anchored at the opposite end. The panel is preferably foldable to form a box. A thermoplastic adhesive coating is on the panel for adhering the plastic film and incorporates a colorant that shields the panel from heat and enhances the rate at which the adhesive softens in response to infrared radiation.

Inventors

• 👤 Ridley Watts, Jr.

Bibliographic Details