Tamper evident hybrid resealable container

The present invention relates to a composite container which has a bottom film layer and a top film layer at least partially adhered on its lower surface to the upper surface of the bottom film layer. The top film layer is scored to form at least one resealable flap and at least one pull tab continuous with the resealable flap, wherein the resealable flap is resealably adhered to the bottom film layer and the pull tab is not adhered to the bottom film layer. The bottom film layer comprises at least one cavity opening. A cardboard layer is adhered on its lower surface to the upper surface of the top film layer, wherein the cardboard layer has at least one cavity opening which is substantially aligned with the scoring of the top film layer resealable flap and the cardboard layer is perforated to form at least one pull tab which is substantially aligned with and adhered, on its underside, to the upper surface of the top film layer pull tab.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to tamper evident resealable containers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a composite container which has a bottom film layer and a top film layer at least partially adhered on its lower surface to the upper surface of the bottom film layer. The top film layer is scored to form at least one resealable flap and at least one pull tab continuous with the resealable flap, wherein the resealable flap is resealably adhered to the bottom film layer and the pull tab is not adhered to the bottom film layer. The bottom film layer comprises at least one cavity opening. A cardboard layer is adhered on its lower surface to the upper surface of the top film layer, wherein the cardboard layer has at least one cavity opening which is substantially aligned with the scoring of the top film layer resealable flap and the cardboard layer is perforated to form at least one pull tab which is substantially aligned with and adhered, on its underside, to the upper surface of the top film layer pull tab.

According to an aspect, the present invention provides a resealable container comprising a bottom film layer, a top film layer, and a cardboard layer set forth in at least one wall of the container. The top film layer is partially adhered on its lower surface to the upper surface of the bottom film layer via an adhesive layer which comprises at least one resealable adhesive zone, at least one permanent adhesive zone, and at least one adhesive-free zone. The top film layer is scored to form at least one resealable flap which is disposed partially within the at least one resealable adhesive zone and partially within the at least one adhesive-free zone. The top film layer is also scored to form at least one pull tab which is continuous with the resealable flap and is disposed within the at least one adhesive-free zone. The bottom film layer is scored to form at least one cavity opening, an edge of which is disposed substantially between the at least one resealable adhesive zone and the at least one adhesive-free zone. The cardboard layer is permanently adhered on its lower surface to the upper surface of the top film layer and has at least one cavity opening which is substantially aligned with the scoring of the top film layer resealable flap. The cardboard layer is additionally perforated to form at least one pull tab which is substantially aligned with and permanently adhered, on its underside, to the upper surface of the top film layer pull tab.

According to another aspect, the present invention also provides a method for making a resealable container comprising providing a bottom film layer, a top film layer, and a cardboard layer. The method then involves laminating the upper surface of the bottom film layer to the underside of the top film layer using a pressure sensitive adhesive and a permanent adhesive to form a laminated film, wherein the adhesives are pattern applied. The top film layer is then scored to form at least one resealable flap which is continuous with at least one film pull tab. The bottom film layer is then scored to form at least one film cavity opening. The cardboard layer is then cut to form at least one cardboard cavity opening. The cardboard layer is perforated to form at least one cardboard pull tab. The upper surface of the laminated film is adhered to the underside of the cardboard layer using a permanent adhesive, wherein the cardboard cavity opening is substantially aligned with the resealable flap scoring and the cardboard pull tab perforations are substantially aligned with the film pull tab scoring.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A variety of food and non-food products are packaged using cardboard or paperboard containers. Folded cardboard containers or cartons are well known in the art to be used for this purpose. These containers are often opened by manually separating layers of cardboard that are glued or adhered together at a closure. Once the adhesive seal is broken and, in some embodiments, other seams are perforated (for example, along the sidewall of the container), the container contents can be accessed. However, the typical container cannot be resealed in a manner that effectively preserves the freshness of the container contents. For example, if a cardboard flap is merely fitted within a cardboard slot in order to reclose a container, the unused products within the container may be susceptible to being adversely affected by exposure to the surrounding environment (e.g., becoming soggy, drying out, etc.). Accordingly, there is a desire to be able to reclose a cardboard folded container after its initial opening to keep the product that remains in the package fresh. In addition, in an embodiment, such container also comprises tamper evidence features which allow a consumer to readily determine whether a container has already been opened.

In an embodiment, the present invention comprises a folded cardboard or paperboard container which has a film window that allows consumers to access the contents of the container therethrough. The film window may be clear, allowing the consumer to view the contents of the container. Such a window not only provides the consumer with the ability to compare the appearance of competing products, but also provides the consumer with confidence that the product does not have any defects, such as food spoilage in the case of food products, prior to making a purchase.

In this embodiment, the container is opened via the film window, which avoids any interference with the structural integrity of the cardboard container. No perforation or separation of sidewalls, or the like, is necessary. The container is additionally resealable via the film layer, allowing the consumer to open the container, remove the desired contents from the container, and then reseal the film layer to the container through the use of a pressure sensitive adhesive. The container can thus be repeatedly opened and resealed. Finally, in some embodiments, the container has a tamper evidence feature comprising the cardboard layer, which allows a consumer to more readily determine, by visual inspection, whether the container has been opened. Because the tamper evidence feature is presented in the cardboard layer rather than the film layer, use of the tamper evidence feature of the container additionally avoids otherwise common tearing issues within the film layer.

The container of the present invention can be used in connection with the packaging of food and non-food products. In various examples, the inventive container may be used to store cookies, crackers, doughnuts, cakes, pies, or any other products which may be opened and resealed, and would be susceptible to being adversely affected by exposure to the surrounding environment.

The container of the present invention may comprise a reclosable folding box, container, or carton of sheet material having an interior and an exterior with at least one tamper evidence feature. The container may be produced from any suitable material, including paperboard, cardboard, or the like, cut and/or punched out as appropriate, and provided with appropriate folding lines, scoring lines, and/or predetermined break lines. The container material may comprise any thickness known in the art. Though the container set forth in the drawings is illustrated as a rectangular box, the container is not limited to any shape or configuration. The container of the invention may comprise any design, shape or configuration known in the art, including but not limited to square, rectangular, trapezoidal, or any other shape. Certain walls or features of the container may be folded, scored, broken, and/or inserted or adhered together, as appropriate, in order to form the basic container shape.

Turning to the drawings,FIG. 1illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a container of the present invention. As set forth inFIG. 1, in an embodiment, the container100comprises a body116which has a top wall101, a front wall102, a bottom wall103, a back wall104, and two side walls105. The container walls (101,102,103,104, and105) define an interior portion of the container which is designed to hold the contents of the container (i.e. doughnuts or cookies). The container additionally comprises an opening106which leads to the container cavity115. In some embodiments, the container opening106is defined in only the top wall101of the container. However, the container opening106could alternatively be defined in one or more other container walls. For example, the container opening106could be defined in the top wall101of the container, but may also extend partially into the front wall102of the container. Similarly, the container opening106is shown in the drawings as extending completely to the rear edge of the top wall101, but could end before the rear edge. The container opening106is shown as extending near, but not fully to the front edge of top wall101, but again, could extend fully to the front edge of top wall101or could even extend partially into front wall102.

The container100additionally comprises a film layer108. The film layer108may comprise a multilayer flexible film. For example, the film layer108may comprise a top layer flexible film109and a bottom layer flexible film110(shown inFIG. 2). The film utilized herein may comprise any flexible packaging film known in the art, including but not limited to, polymer films, metalized polymer films, papers, metal foils, polyester films, polyolefin films, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polypropylene (OPP), metalized polyester (MPET), any combination thereof, or any other suitable film known in the art. In an embodiment, the film108may comprise a pre-printed film or label.

In certain embodiments, the film108of the invention may additionally comprise a barrier layer, providing a barrier against the passage of oxygen, other gases, and/or moisture. In some embodiments, the barrier may prevent wicking or leakage of a food product into and through the container walls. In other embodiments, the film108may additionally comprise one or more metallization layers or foil layers, which may be helpful in preventing a laser or die cutting machine from penetrating through the entire thickness of the top film109and/or the bottom film110.

In the embodiment wherein the film layer108comprises a two layer film, the bottom side of the top layer flexible film109and the top side of the bottom layer flexible film110may be permanently affixed, in some areas, and may be releasably affixed, in areas, through use of appropriate adhesives. In locations wherein the film layers109and110should be releasably affixed, the adhesive may comprise a pressure sensitive adhesive (“PSA”). Any suitable PSA known in the art may be utilized in the present invention. For example, the PSA may comprise an acrylic, a natural rubber, a synthetic rubber, a silicone, a butyl, or an ethylenevinylacetate (“EVA”). The PSA should be selected such that it releasably secures the top film109to the bottom film110. The PSA utilized should allow the top film109and the bottom film110to be separated and resealed multiple times by the end user. Optionally, more than one PSA may be utilized, wherein the PSAs allow the bonding of the top film109to the bottom film110at different levels of affinity.

In locations wherein the film layers109and110should be permanently affixed, the adhesive may comprise any permanent adhesive known in the art. The permanent adhesive should be selected such that it permanently adheres the top film109to the bottom film110(or any two relevant surfaces), without damaging the relevant films/surfaces or the adhesive, particularly during the opening and reclosing of the container. Optionally, more than one permanent adhesive may be utilized, wherein the permanent adhesives allow the bonding of the top film109to the bottom film110at different levels of affinity.

In an embodiment, the multi-ply film108of the invention may have permanent adhesive zone and a PSA zone. For example, as shown inFIGS. 6B and 6C, the bottom film110may have a permanent adhesive zone601and a PSA zone602. Similarly, the top film109may have a permanent adhesive zone603and a PSA zone604. The bottom film110may be coated, on its top side, with a permanent adhesive in the permanent adhesive zone601. Alternatively, or in addition to the adhesive layer applied to the bottom film110, the top film109may be coated, on its bottom side, with a permanent adhesive in the permanent adhesive zone603. The top film109may also be coated, on its bottom side, with a PSA in the PSA zone604. The top film109may be applied to the bottom film110such that the permanent adhesive zone601of the bottom film110is in registry with the permanent adhesive zone603of the top film109. Similarly, the PSA zone602of the bottom film110should be in registry with the PSA zone604of the top film109.

In addition, the top film109and the bottom film110may each contain an adhesive-free zone112(seeFIG. 6C). That is, when the top film109is applied to the bottom film110, there is no adhesive between the two layers in the adhesive-free zone112. The adhesive-free zone112may be disposed in the location of a top film109pull tab111. In an embodiment, the adhesives may be pattern applied to create the adhesive-free zone, wherein no adhesive is applied. In other embodiments, the entire surface of one or more of the top film109or the bottom film110may be coated with one or more adhesives and the relevant adhesives may be deadened to create the adhesive-free zone.

In an embodiment, the permanent adhesive and the PSA are applied to the top film109and/or bottom film110in a pattern. In this embodiment, the adhesive free-zone112may be avoided or deadened after application of adhesive. In another embodiment, the top film109or bottom film110may be flooded with PSA, optionally with the exception of the adhesive-free zone112. Alternatively, the adhesive free-zone112may be deadened after application of PSA. In this embodiment, the die cut pattern in the top film will allow the layers to separate at the resealable flap114without separating in zone603. In this embodiment, no permanent adhesive is utilized. In another embodiment, the top film109(bottom surface) or bottom film110(top surface) may be flooded with permanent adhesive. After the permanent adhesive dries, zone604may be coated with PSA. The adhesive free-zone112may be avoided or deadened after application of the permanent adhesive. The layers may then be sealed together.

The film pull tab111may be continuous with the top film109. More particularly, the pull tab111may be continuous with a resealable flap114formed in the top film109. The top film109may be scored at the overcut606, optionally from top to bottom, to create a flap that covers container opening106and cavity115in the container body116. The pull tab111and the resealable flap114may be configured in any shape or size known in the art. In an embodiment, the pull tab111may be semi-circular or semi-elliptical in shape.

In this embodiment, the end user can lift the pull tab111, which may be located in the adhesive-free zone112. In an embodiment, the pull tab111is not adhered to the container. In another embodiment, the pull tab111is lightly adhered or releasably adhered to the container. In any of these embodiments, the end user may lift the pull tab111, which thereby separates and lifts the resealable flap114of the top film109away from the PSA zone602of the bottom film110. The user may then remove any desired contents from the container100, and then press the resealable flap114back onto the PSA zone602of the bottom film110to re-adhere the flap114to the container, thereby resealing the container100. The container100can thus be repeatedly opened and resealed. In an embodiment, the PSA is present on the PSA zone604of the top film109(bottom surface), but not on the PSA zone602of the bottom film110(top surface).

In an embodiment, the resealable flap114may comprise a product viewing window117, optionally located on the interior of the PSA zone604. The product viewing window117may be transparent, translucent, or opaque. The product viewing117area may comprise a label, printed graphics, logos, or the like, related to the products contained therein. Similarly, in an embodiment, the exterior of the cardboard layer613may comprise a label, printed graphics, logos, or the like, related to the products contained therein. In a particular embodiment, any label, printing, or the like on the film108or resealable flap114may be blended or be continuous with a label, graphics, or other printing located on the exterior of the cardboard layer613.

In an embodiment, the laminated film108is adhered within the interior of the cardboard container. In this embodiment, the laminated film108may receive an adhesive on the top side of the top film109within a front seal zone608and a rear seal zone607. While front and rear seal zones are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the film108can be sealed within the container100in any area known in the art. In an embodiment, the film108may extend and be sealed along the full length of the front wall102and/or the rear wall104. In another embodiment, the film108may completely cover the entire interior of the container100, and may provide improved barrier properties to the container as a result.

In one embodiment, the front seal zone608may extend the length of the laminated film108and/or the length of the top wall101or the front wall102of the container100. The front seal zone608may be located along the top edge of the front wall102of the container or along the front edge of the top wall101of the container. The rear seal zone607may also extend the length of the laminated film108and/or the length of the top wall101or the front wall102of the container100. The rear seal zone607may be located along the top edge of the rear wall104of the container or along the rear edge of the top wall101of the container. Similarly, in an embodiment, the laminated film108may be sealed to the container100at the top of the side walls105or the sides of the top wall101. In any embodiment, the laminated film108may be hermetically sealed within the container100. In an embodiment, the laminated film108is sealed within the interior of the container.

The hermetic seal described herein may be advantageous over designs that have different entry points into the container. For example, in an embodiment wherein the entry point into the inventive container is through the flexible resealable window in the top wall, the front, back, and/or side walls are not involved in container entry. Thus, the front and/or back walls, for example, can be sealed permanently to the top wall, with the laminated film in place. More aggressive adhesives can be used than would be available if the laminated film did not extend into the front and/or back walls. This type of aggressive adhesive use may not be available to use in a container that opens through the front wall. Particular carton geometries that would be unavailable in front-entry containers, for example, may be used in the present invention. In addition, the resulting container may have an improved barrier to the environment due to the expanse of the laminated film.

Turning toFIG. 6D, in an embodiment, the container top wall101contains a cardboard opening609defined by an edge610. The cardboard opening609and edge610may be created by laser cutting or die cutting the cardboard material, or by any other method known in the art. In an embodiment, the edge610is similarly sized, shaped, and oriented to that of the overcut606of the top film109.

In an embodiment, the laminated film108shown inFIG. 6Ais registered with the cardboard layer613shown inFIG. 6D. In an embodiment, the edge610is in registration with the overcut606of the top film109. Thus, when the container is opened via the resealable flap114, the PSA zone602of the bottom film110extends beyond the edge of the edge610, into the interior of the opening106. The PSA zones602,604should be sized such that the PSA zone604of the resealable flap114can comfortably be replaced onto the PSA zone602of the bottom film110to reseal the package, but should not be so large as to impede access to the contents of the container100through the opening609. In an embodiment, the width of the PSA zones602,604may be roughly equivalent. In a particular embodiment, the width of the PSA zones602,604may be less than about 2 inches. In another embodiment, the width of the PSA zone602,604may be less than about 1 inch. In still another embodiment, the width of the PSA zone602,604may be approximately 1 inch.

As noted above, the cardboard opening609may be disposed such that it extends near or to the rear edge611of the top wall101. In a folded container, the rear edge611may comprise the fold of the box between the top wall101and the rear wall104. Similarly, the cardboard opening609may be disposed such that it also (or alternatively) extends near or to the front edge612of the top wall101. In a folded container, the front edge612may comprise the fold of the box between the top wall101and the front wall102.

In an embodiment, a cardboard pull tab113is disposed adjacent the cardboard opening609. The cardboard pull tab113may be disposed adjacent any edge or side of the cardboard opening609. The cardboard pull tab113, in an embodiment, has perforations121along at least some edges. In an embodiment, the cardboard pull tab113may be disposed along a two-ply container wall, in which case it may be necessary to have perforations along the pull tab113edge which is continuous with the two-ply wall edge.

In an embodiment, the cardboard pull tab113and has a cut area118along at least one edge. The cut area118(also referred to as an open area or a separated area) may allow a user to slide a finger beneath the pull tab113and separate it from the container body116. Alternatively, the cardboard pull tab113may have a small tab301(shown inFIG. 3) which is not affixed to the container wall and may be grasped to remove the pull tab113from the container wall to which it is perforatedly connected.

In an embodiment, the cardboard pull tab113is disposed in the front wall102of the container. In another embodiment, the cardboard pull tab113is disposed in the top wall101of the container. The cardboard pull tab113may be disposed in any wall or in any location within a wall.

In an embodiment, the cardboard pull tab113is adhered on its underside, via a permanent adhesive401, to the top side of the film pull tab111(seeFIG. 4). It should be understood that the permanent adhesive401may be applied to either or both of the cardboard layer613or the top film109during manufacture. In an embodiment, the entire cardboard layer613is permanently adhered, on its underside, to the top side of top film109. In this embodiment, when the cardboard pull tab113is separated from the cardboard layer613by a user, it remains affixed to the film pull tab111. The combined pull tab (cardboard/film) can then be pulled upward and/or backward, which separates the resealable flap114from the remainder of the laminate film108at the overcut606.

FIG. 7illustrates a cross-sectional embodiment of the pull tab111,113, top film109, and bottom film110. In this embodiment, the cardboard tab113is affixed to the film tab111via a permanent adhesive401. The top film109is permanently affixed to the bottom film110in sections and is resealably affixed to the bottom film110in the PSA zones602,604via a PSA701.

In an embodiment, the cardboard pull tab113comprises a tamper evidence feature of the container. In this embodiment, the cardboard pull tab113may be continuous with one or more walls of the container, but includes an area of weakness created, for example, by a scored, perforated, or thinned line, or by forming the pull tab113out of a highly oriented material that has a tendency to split along a break line. Once the cardboard pull tab113is split or broken from the container body116, it cannot be reaffixed to the container body116. Once the cardboard pull tab113is split or broken from the container body116through the process of opening the container100, in an embodiment, it may hang free of the container body116, remaining affixed to the container100due only to its permanent adherence to the film pull tab111. The hanging cardboard pull tab113provides a clear visual indication that the container100has already been opened.

In an embodiment, the container may comprise more than one cavity115. In this embodiment, the cardboard layer613may define one or more cardboard openings609. Additionally, in this embodiment, the container may utilize an adhesive-free zone as is set forth in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/442,779, filed Feb. 27, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

As noted above, in an embodiment, the cardboard layer613may comprise a label area614, wherein company logos, photos, designs, and the like may be displayed. In another embodiment, a separate film label may be applied and permanently affixed to the outside of the cardboard layer613in the label area614. Alternatively, a separate film label may be applied and permanently affixed to the outside of the cardboard layer613prior to cutting edge610and creating the cardboard opening609. In this embodiment, the edge610may extend through both the cardboard layer613and any label layer.

Method of Making

The method of making the container blank can be generally described as follows and will be more fully described below:

1. Laminate the top and bottom film layers together to form a laminate;

2. Undercut and overcut the film laminate;

3. Cut the cardboard layer to form the container opening and perforate the cardboard pull tab; and

4. Adhere the film laminate to the underside of the cardboard layer.

Optionally steps 3 and 4, above, could be reversed.

Referring toFIG. 8, top film109and bottom film110may be provided in sheet form. PSA803and a permanent adhesive804may be (simultaneously or sequentially) pattern applied to the bottom surface of the top film109in predetermined areas. The adhesives may be applied in any suitable patterns but, in an embodiment, leaves at least one adhesive-free zone112at the location of the pull tab111and at least one adhesive-free zone in the location of the product viewing window117. The adhesives may optionally be dried at a drying station such as an oven or the like.

Next, the top film109and bottom film110may be adhesively joined via the adhesives to form a laminated film108. This may be accomplished using a laminating machine comprising two rollers forming a nip therebetween, or may be accomplished using any other method known in the art. In an embodiment, the top film109and bottom film110should be substantially coextensive with each other during the laminating process. For example, if the top film109and bottom film110are rectangular, the width and length of the top film109should match the width and length of the bottom film110. The laminated film108may be rectangular or any shape suitable for use with the desired container.

The laminated film108is then fed to a first scoring station808where an undercut605may be scored in the bottom film110. The undercut605may be formed with a laser, with a die cutting machine or by any suitable means and may extend through the entire thickness or almost the entire thickness of the bottom film110. In an embodiment, the undercut605is in registration with the inside border between the PSA zone604pattern and the product viewing window117of the top film109. Package integrity features may be cut into the bottom film110during this step well. In an embodiment, the undercut605may include a hinge such that upon opening the label, the resealable flap114will hinge between the die-cuts and remain adhered to the package. In an embodiment, the hinge may be an undercut “j-hook” hinge615or an overcut back hinge, but it should be understood that any mechanism which creates a stopping point that inhibits the complete removal of the flap114from the product package could be utilized.

The laminated film108may then be fed to a second scoring station809where an overcut606is formed in the outer facing surface of the top film109, through the location of the cardboard opening609. The overcut606is preferably formed substantially in registration with the outside border of the PSA zone604pattern, although it may overlap the PSA slightly. The overcut606may be formed with a laser, with a die cutting machine or by any suitable means and may extend through the entire thickness or almost the entire thickness of the top film109.

It should be understood that the first and second scoring stations may apply overcuts or undercuts, in any order, and that a single scoring station could be utilized for both the undercut and overcut.

Cardboard layer613may also be provided in sheet form on a roller and may be die-cut or laser cut801to form at least cardboard edge610, cardboard opening609, and optionally, the cut area118of cardboard tab113. The container wall shape(s) may also be cut such that the final cardboard layer613comprises a container blank that can be folded or otherwise assembled into a container. Simultaneously, before, or afterward, the cardboard layer613may be scored or perforated802in various regions around the cardboard tab113, creating perforations121that permit the cardboard tab113to be removable from the relevant container wall(s). Again, the cutting and perforations made to the cardboard layer613may be accomplished in any order, at separate stations or at the same stations. The skeleton806of the cardboard layer613, containing the cardboard opening609, may be removed and discarded.

Next, a permanent adhesive may be pattern applied805to the top surface of the top film109in predetermined areas. The permanent adhesive should be applied such that leaves at least one adhesive-free zone in a location that will be registered with the cardboard opening609of the cardboard layer613once the cardboard layer613and the laminated film108are adhered. Alternatively, a permanent adhesive may be applied across the entire bottom surface of the cardboard layer613, which already has been cut and the cardboard opening609removed. The permanent adhesive may optionally be dried at a drying station such as an oven or the like.

Next, the laminated film108and cardboard layer613may be adhesively joined via the permanent adhesive to form composite807. This may be accomplished using two rollers forming a nip therebetween, and/or may be accomplished using any method known in the art, such as hot melt, heat seal, UV-activated seal, ultrasonic seal, energy-curable adhesive, or the like. In an embodiment, the laminated film108and cardboard layer613should be substantially coextensive with each other during the adhesion process. For example, if the laminated film108and cardboard layer613are rectangular, the width and length of the laminated film108should match the width and length of the cardboard layer613. The laminated film108may be rectangular or any shape suitable for use with the desired container. The laminated film108and cardboard layer613should be registered such that the cardboard opening609of the cardboard layer613, for example, is in registry with the outer edge of the PSA zone604of the top film109. Similarly, the cardboard tab113of the cardboard layer613should be in registry with the adhesive-free zone112(which is adhesive-free between top film109and bottom film110, but has a permanent adhesive between the top film109and the cardboard layer613). Optionally, the composite material807may then be UV-cured or heat-sealed. The composite material may then be fed onto a roll for further use or the container blanks may be separated, stacked, and/or stored. Alternately, the container blanks may then be assembled into containers.

Method of Use

The container100can be opened by separating the cardboard pull tab113from the front wall102(or other wall of which it may be continuous) of the container100. More particularly, in an embodiment, the user can slide a finger beneath the cut portion118of the pull tab113, or grasp the301tab, and break the perforations121along the sides of the pull tab113. The pull tab may then be separated from the relevant wall of the container100and may hang freely. In an embodiment, the film pull tab111, which is permanently adhered to the underside of the cardboard pull tab113, is not adhered to the container100and the cardboard/film pull tab can be lifted away from the surface of the container100. When lifted away from the surface of the container100,FIGS. 2-3illustrate the previous tab location120. The previous tab location120, in an embodiment, does not contain any adhesive, PSA or otherwise. Likewise, in an embodiment, the underside of the film pull tab111does not contain any adhesive, PSA or otherwise. In this embodiment, the pull tab111,113hangs freely as soon as the cardboard pull tab113is separated from the relevant container wall by breaking the perforations.

In a separate embodiment, the previous tab location120and/or the underside of the film pull tab111, contains PSA or another lightly adhering adhesive. In this embodiment, the film pull tab111must be lifted from the container wall to fully separate the cardboard/film pull tab from the container. In either embodiment, the separated cardboard/film pull tab provides a tamper evidence indicator—the user can visually see that the cardboard perforations are broken and, therefore, the container has been opened.

In use, as the user continues to pull, the resealable flap114releases from the bottom film110due to the limited adhesion of the PSA. More specifically, the top film109will separate or break along the overcut606as the pull tab111,113is lifted, releasing the part of the resealable flap114which was adhered to the bottom film110via the PSA (i.e. the PSA zone602,604). This process opens at least one cavity115in the container110, due in part to the presence of the undercut605, through which the contents can be accessed. The peeling back of the resealable flap114serves to create the cavity115by removing a part of the film layer108as the top film109is removed or peeled back. Thus, the undercut605defines a location of the cavity115of the container100and is formed inwardly of the overcut606on the resealable flap114. InFIGS. 2-3, the user has pulled back the resealable flap114to reveal the cavity115defined by the undercut605.

The user may then remove the container contents, as desired, and may then reposition the resealable flap114back onto the bottom film110. More particularly, the PSA zone604along the edge of the underside of the resealable flap114may be positioned directly on, and may seal completely to, the PSA area602on the upper surface of the bottom film110. As the resealable flap114is placed in position and, optionally, pressed downward, the film layers releasably seal to one another. When the container100is reclosed via the resealable flap114, in an embodiment, the pull tab111,113remains unfixed and unsealed to the container, as a tamper evidence indicator.