Integrated package opening feature

A package comprising:

• a first panel and a second panel defining first and second side edges,
• wherein the first panel comprises a laminate structure comprising:
• a first film layer defining:
• a first surface, and
• a second surface opposite the first surface,
• wherein the first film layer includes a predefined cut through the first and second surfaces;
• and
• a second film layer laminated to the second surface of the first film layer via an adhesive, and comprising in an adhesive-free region of the laminate:
• a single integrated pull strip that is defined on at least two sides by a series of perforations formed through the second film layer and generally comprises an elongated shape, wherein at least the portion of the second film layer which comprises the pull strip is not heat sealed to the first film layer,
• wherein the second panel includes at least:
• a second panel film layer, adjacent the first surface of the first panel, and configured to be heat-sealed with the first film layer of the first panel,
• wherein the first panel is peripherally sealed to the second panel via first and second longitudinal seals formed by heat sealing the first film layer of the first panel to the second panel film layer along the adjoining first and second side edges to define the compartment therebetween,
• wherein the pull strip of the second film layer comprises:
• an end defined via a continuous cut line formed through the entire thickness of the second film layer, within the heat-sealed second longitudinal seal,
• wherein the pull strip overlies the predefined cut and is configured to be separated from a remainder of the second film layer by a user,
• wherein the predefined cut defines a first edge and a second edge adjacent the first edge, and
• wherein separation of the pull strip from the remainder of the second film layer serves to expose the predefined cut of the first film layer and allows the first and second edges to be moved apart.

A method of manufacturing a package including an integrated pull strip for providing access to contents stored within a compartment of the package, the method comprising:

• providing a first panel and a second panel defining first and second side edges,
• wherein the first panel comprises a laminate structure formed by:
• laminating a first film layer to a second film layer by applying an adhesive between the first and second film layers, wherein the first film layer defines:
• a first surface, adjacent the compartment of the package, and
• a second surface opposite the first surface;
• forming a predefined cut in the first film layer through the first and second surfaces, wherein the predefined cut defines:
• a first edge, and
• a second edge adjacent the first edge;
• and
• defining an integrated pull strip in the second film layer by forming a line of weakness about at least two sides of an elongated pull strip shape in the second film layer,
• wherein the second panel includes at least:
• a second panel film layer, adjacent the compartment, and configured to be heat-sealed with the first film layer of the first panel,
• peripherally sealing the first panel to the second panel to form first and second longitudinal seals by heat sealing the first film layer of the first panel to the second panel film layer along the adjoining first and second side edges to define the compartment therebetween,
• wherein the pull strip of the second film layer comprises an end formed in an adhesive-free region of the laminate by:
• defining a continuous cut line through the entire thickness of the second film layer, within the heat-sealed second longitudinal seal,
• wherein the pull strip overlies the predefined cut and is configured to be separated from a remainder of the second film layer by a user, and
• wherein separation of the pull strip from the remainder of the second film layer serves to expose the predefined cut and allows the first and second edges to be moved apart to provide access to the compartment and the contents stored therein via the predefined cut.