Resealable lidding for rigid thermoformed tubs
AssigneeSonoco Development, Inc.
InventorScott William Huffer
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A resealable package and method for making is provided. The package may comprise a laminate lidding member having an outer structure, an inner structure joined to the outer structure by an adhesive layer, and a pull tab. The laminate includes an outer line of weakness in the outer structure defining a separable opening portion and an inner line of weakness in the inner structure, defining a separable opening portion from the inner portion. The lidding member also comprises a second inner line of weakness formed in the inner structure, disposed between the pull tab and the inner opening portion, partially within the flange seal.
Claims29
A package comprising:
- a base member defining a cavity configured to receive an item therein, the base member comprising a flange;
- and
- a laminate comprising:
- an outer structure;
- an inner structure;
- and
- an adhesive layer adhesively joining the outer structure and the inner structure, wherein the laminate comprises a perimeter cut line defining a lidding member,
- wherein the lidding member comprises a pull tab;
- and
- wherein the lidding member is affixed to the flange in to form a seal area;
- at least one outer line of weakness formed in the outer structure, the at least one outer line of weakness defining an outer opening portion that is separable from the outer structure along the at least one outer line of weakness, wherein the at least one outer line of weakness intersects the perimeter cut line adjacent opposite sides of the pull tab;
- at least one first inner line of weakness formed in the inner structure, the at least one first inner line of weakness defining an inner opening portion that is at least partially separable from the inner structure along the first inner line of weakness, wherein:
- the inner opening portion is joined to the outer opening portion such that lifting the outer opening portion causes the inner opening portion to be lifted along with the outer opening portion so as to create an opening through the laminate and into the cavity;
- and
- a marginal region of the outer opening portion is defined between the at least one inner line of weakness and the at least one outer line of weakness, the marginal region overlying an underlying surface of the inner structure;
- at least one second inner line of weakness formed in the inner structure, wherein the at least one second inner line of weakness is disposed between the pull tab and the inner opening portion and is disposed at least partially within the seal area.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.