Patent ID: 7331153
Filing Date: 2008-02-19
Classification: B65B,B65D

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for packaging a product in an easy to open package using continuous first and second webs of flexible packaging material, the apparatus comprising: a packaging station comprising a nip through which the first and second webs with the product disposed therebetween are advanced in a longitudinal direction such that the webs are adhered to each other and envelop the product; a web drive system operable to advance the first and second webs to the packaging station; a cutoff device located downstream from the packaging station and structured to sever the adhered webs so as to create the package containing the product; a notch former located upstream from the cutoff device and adjacent at least one of the first or second webs, structured to create a notch having a free end in at least one of the webs; and a tab setter located between the notch former and the cutoff device and structured to fold the free end of the notch back against the web before advancing through the cutoff device, thus forming a notch on the web that becomes a tab on the package for facilitating opening the package.