Easy Open And Reclosable Package With Discrete Strip And Die-Cut Web

A method of making an easy-open and reclosable package in a horizontal form/fill/seal process comprising:

• a) providing a lay-flat web, the lay-flat web having a first and second longitudinal edge, and a die cut;
• b) providing a discrete strip comprising a first and second surface, a first and second end, a first and second side edge, a sealing segment, a backing segment, and an intermediate layer disposed between the sealing and backing segments and comprising a pressure sensitive adhesive;
• c) advancing the lay-flat web to a forming device to convert the lay-flat web to a folded web having an interior surface;
• d) advancing the discrete strip such that when the package is made, the discrete strip is disposed between a first and second side panel of the package;
• e) making side seals in the folded web to produce an open pouch comprising
• i) the first and second side panels each comprising an outer and inner surface, a first and second side edge, and a first and second end, the first and second side panels joined together along their respective first and second side edges by a seal,
• ii) a first end defined by the first end of at least one of the first and second side panels,
• iii) a second end defined by the second ends of the first and second side panels respectively,
• iv) the first and second side panels joined together along their respective second ends, and
• v) the discrete strip disposed between the first and second side panels, and spaced apart from at least one of the first end of the pouch, and second end of the pouch;
• f) putting a product in the open pouch;
• and
• g) sealing the first end of the first side panel to the second side panel to close the pouch;
• wherein
• the die cut is disposed in the first side panel, the die cut defining a die cut segment, the die cut segment so arranged with respect to the discrete strip that when the package is opened, the sealing segment is partially removed from the discrete strip, the intermediate layer comprising a pressure sensitive adhesive is partially exposed, and the package can thereafter be reclosed by adhering the first or second panel to the pressure sensitive adhesive;
• at any time before cutting the web to produce an open pouch, anchoring a first portion of the first surface of the discrete strip to the lay-flat web or the folded web at a first location to form a first anchor seal;
• at any time before or during the step of making side seals in the folded web, anchoring a second portion of the first surface of the discrete strip to the lay-flat web, the interior surface of the folded web, or the inner surface of the first side panel at a second location to form a second anchor seal;
• and
• cutting the web at the side seals during the step of making side seals in the folded web, or before, during or after any subsequent steps.

A method of making an easy-open and reclosable package in a continuous horizontal packaging process comprising:

• a) providing a lay-flat web, the lay-flat web comprising a die cut;
• b) providing a discrete strip comprising a first and second surface, a first and second end, a first and second side edge, a sealing segment, a backing segment, and an intermediate layer disposed between the sealing and backing segments and comprising a pressure sensitive adhesive;
• c) advancing the lay-flat web to a forming device to convert the lay-flat web into a folded web having an interior surface;
• d) advancing the discrete strip such that when the package is made, the discrete strip is disposed between a first and second side panel of the package;
• e) advancing a product to the forming device such that the folded web envelopes the product;
• f) longitudinally sealing the folded web to make a longitudinal seal;
• g) transversely sealing the folded web, with the product therein, to produce a leading transverse seal to define a first pouch;
• h) advancing the folded web, with the leading transverse seal, forward a predetermined distance;
• i) transversely sealing the folded web to produce a trailing transverse seal in the first pouch, and a leading transverse seal in a second pouch, the second pouch disposed upstream of the first pouch;
• and
• j) cutting the folded web to separate the first pouch from the second pouch to form an individual package comprising the first and second side panel;
• wherein
• the die cut is disposed in the package, the die cut defining a die cut segment, the die cut segment so arranged with respect to the discrete strip that when the package is opened, the sealing segment is partially removed from the discrete strip, the intermediate layer comprising a pressure sensitive adhesive is partially exposed, and the package can thereafter be reclosed by adhering the folded web to the pressure sensitive adhesive;
• at any time before or during the step of longitudinally sealing the folded web, anchoring the first portion of the first surface of the discrete strip to the lay-flat web or the folded web at a first location to form a first anchor seal;
• and
• at any time before or during the step of making a longitudinal seal in the folded web, anchoring a second portion of the first surface of the discrete strip to the lay-flat web, the folded web, or the first side panel at a second location to form a second anchor seal.