Expandable easy opening dough package

A pressurized flexible package for holding contents under pressure, the package comprising:

• a flexible laminate film comprising a flexible inner layer and an outer layer coextensive with and laminated to the inner layer;
• an undercut formed only in the inner layer and having a starter end;
• an overcut formed only in the outer layer and surrounding the undercut, the overcut defining a pull tab region;
• a pressure sensitive adhesive located in a first predetermined pattern on the outer facing surface of the inner layer and in substantial registration with the overcut, the first predetermined pattern comprising two elongated sides located on either side of the undercut and a bottom connecting the sides;
• a permanent adhesive located in a second predetermined pattern between the inner layer and the outer layer outside the pull tab region;
• and
• an easy opening feature formed in the package, the easy opening feature comprising:
• a pull tab formed in the outer layer and having a length and a perimeter defined by the overcut;
• and
• a heat seal disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer and overlaying the undercut;
• wherein
• the heat seal withstands internal pressure forces of the contents and remains intact until a predetermined length of the pull tab is pulled away from the inner layer, whereupon the heat seal is broken and the package bursts open along the undercut to expose the contents;
• and wherein
• the permanent adhesive does not cover a non-adhesive area of the inner layer located under a gripping end of the pull tab so that the gripping end is not adhered to the inner layer;
• the package further comprising micro-perforations formed in the inner layer between the undercut and the non-adhesive area, the micro-perforations underlying a top portion of the pull tab and located within an area of the inner layer that is completely sealed from the outside by the pressure sensitive adhesive and the heat seal, the area located between the bottom of the pressure sensitive adhesive pattern and the heat seal such that, upon lifting the pull tab, the micro-perforations are exposed before the undercut is exposed.