Patent ID: 8230664
Filing Date: 2012-07-31
Classification: B29C,B65D,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for making a flexible packaging structure having a built-in opening feature, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a laminate having a first structure comprising one or more layers of flexible material laminated to a second structure comprising at least a sealant layer; (b) forming a substantially circular tear area in a top seal area of the laminate, the tear area being formed by using a laser beam to penetrate through at least a portion of a thickness of the laminate material, wherein the laser beam initially starts acting on the laminate at a center of the tear area, and the laser beam is progressively moved along a path extending around and radially outwardly from the center and finishes by defining an outer perimeter of the tear area; and (c) forming the laminate resulting from step (b) into a package by manipulating the laminate into a tube and joining together opposite longitudinal edge portions of the laminate, closing a top end of the tube by sealing the laminate in the top seal area, and closing a bottom end of the tube by sealing the laminate in a bottom seal area; wherein step (c) results in there being a front panel and a rear panel of the package, with a first juncture between the front and rear panels forming a first longitudinal edge of the package and a second juncture between the front and rear panels forming an opposite second longitudinal edge of the package, and with the tear area forming a tear feature at the first longitudinal edge of the package where tearing of the laminate can be initiated to open the package.