US 12,441,047 B2
Flexible packaging structure with built-in tamper-evidence features and method for making same
Benjamin Davis, Columbia, SC (US); and Scott William Huffer, Hartsville, SC (US)
Assigned to TOPPAN PACKAGING AMERICAS HOLDINGS, INC., Charlotte, NC (US)
Filed by TOPPAN PACKAGING AMERICAS HOLDINGS, INC., Charlotte, NC (US)
Filed on Dec. 28, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/398,270.
Application 16/985,574 is a division of application No. 15/974,055, filed on May 8, 2018, granted, now 10,773,451, issued on Sep. 15, 2020.
Application 18/398,270 is a continuation of application No. 17/970,691, filed on Oct. 21, 2022, granted, now 11,858,195.
Application 17/970,691 is a continuation of application No. 16/985,574, filed on Aug. 5, 2020, granted, now 11,511,477, issued on Nov. 29, 2022.
Application 15/974,055 is a continuation of application No. 13/668,947, filed on Nov. 5, 2012, granted, now 8,545,099, issued on Oct. 1, 2013.
Application 13/668,947 is a continuation of application No. 12/043,442, filed on Mar. 6, 2008, granted, now 9,975,290, issued on May 22, 2018.
Prior Publication US 2024/0123676 A1, Apr. 18, 2024
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. B29C 59/00 (2006.01); B65D 75/58 (2006.01); B29L 9/00 (2006.01)
CPC B29C 59/007 (2013.01) [B65D 75/5833 (2013.01); B65D 75/5855 (2013.01); B29C 2791/009 (2013.01); B29L 2009/00 (2013.01); B65D 2401/00 (2020.05); Y10T 156/1082 (2015.01)] 10 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A laminate for packaging, the laminate comprising:
an outer structure comprising at least one layer of polypropylene,
a pressure-sensitive adhesive adjacent the outer structure;
an inner structure adhered to the outer structure via the pressure-sensitive adhesive, wherein the inner structure comprises:
at least one layer of metalized polypropylene, wherein the metallization is oriented away from the pressure-sensitive adhesive; and
a layer of heat-sealable polypropylene;
an outer score line extending through a first thickness of the outer structure, wherein the outer score line delineates an outer opening portion of the outer structure that is separable from the outer structure along the outer score line;
an inner score line extending through a second thickness of the inner structure, the inner score line being in registration with the outer score line, wherein the inner score line delineates an inner opening portion of the inner structure that is affixed to the outer opening portion and is separable from the inner structure along the inner score line, wherein a region of the outer opening portion between the outer and inner score lines is attached to an underlying surface of the inner structure via the pressure-sensitive adhesive, wherein the outer opening portion is peelable from the underlying surface of the inner surface so as to cause the inner opening portion to also be peeled back to create an opening in the laminate, and wherein the outer opening portion is re-attachable to the underlying surface of the inner structure via the pressure-sensitive adhesive for reclosing the opening; and
a tear portion of the outer structure that is initially in an untorn condition prior to initial creation of the opening, and whose untorn condition is apparent from a visual inspection of the outer structure, wherein the tear portion comprises an interrupted area located away from the grasping portion and at the curved transition area along the outer line of weakness in which the outer structure is uncut, the interrupted area being torn through upon initial creation of the opening through the flexible packaging structure, and wherein the interrupted area is bounded on one side by a transverse line of weakness connected to the outer line of weakness and extending transverse thereto.