Patent Publication Number: US-2016244232-A1

Title: Package having a tearable seal and a method of opening said package

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority as a Non-provisional application to Provisional; application U.S. Ser. No. 62/118,669 filed Feb. 20, 2015. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a package having a tearable seal and a method of opening the package. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Today, many products are enclosed in a package or pouch formed from various materials. The products can be in liquid form, semi-solids or solid form. The package can be constructed from various materials, including but not limited to: paper, cardboard, plastic, thermoplastics, polymer films, polymer film laminates, or combinations thereof. For example, the package can be formed from a laminate that may include two or more different materials. Once the products are enclosed in the package, the package needs to be sealed. At a later time, the package has to be opened to remove some or all of the products. Sometimes it is difficult to open a package that has been tightly sealed. In certain instances, the package cannot be opened without using a sharp object like a pair of scissors, a knife, etc. This can cause frustration, especially when the person trying to open the package does not have access to a sharp object. In other situations, the entire package may rupture as one attempts to open the package. This is detrimental when a person wishes to remove only a portion of the products from the package and use the package to house the remaining products until a later time. 
     Now a package having a tearable seal has been invented along with a method of opening the package. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Briefly, this invention relates to a package capable of housing a product. The product can be a liquid, a semi-solid or a solid. The package includes a front wall, a back wall, a first side, a second side, a bottom and a top. The package also has a void area formed between the front and back walls which can house the product. The package is completely sealed after the product or products have been inserted into the void area. The package has a tearable seal formed in both the front and back walls. The tearable seal has an end conterminuous with the first side. The package also has a second seal formed in both the front and back walls which is positioned inward of the first and second sides and which is located between the tearable seal and the top. The second seal has a patterned field of bonds. The tearable seal requires less force to break than does the second seal. 
     In a second embodiment, the invention relates to a package capable of housing a product. The package includes a front wall, a back wall, a first side, a second side, a bottom and a top. The package also has a void area formed between the front and back walls which can house the product. The package is completely sealed after the product or products have been inserted into the void area. The package has a tearable seal formed in both the front and back walls. The tearable seal has an end conterminuous with the first side. Desirably, the tearable seal extends continuously from the first side to the second side. The tearable seal has a width and the tearable seal is positioned closer to the top of the package than to the bottom of the package. The package also has a second seal formed in both the front and back walls. The second seal is positioned inward of or spaced apart from the first and second sides. The second seal is located between the tearable seal and the top. The second seal has a width which is at least about 5 times larger than the tearable seal. The second seal has a patterned field of bonds. The tearable seal is capable of breaking under a force of less than about 5 pounds. 
     A method of opening a package is also taught. The package has a front wall, a back wall, a first side, a second side, a bottom and a top. The package also has a tearable seal formed in both the front and back walls. The tearable seal has an end conterminuous with the first side. Desirably, the tearable seal extends continuously from the first side to the second side. The package further has a second seal formed in both the front and back walls which is positioned inward of the first and second sides and which is located between the tearable seal and the top. The method includes the steps of having a person grip the package between a thumb and an index finger of each hand, one hand positioned above the tearable seal and the other hand positioned below the tearable seal. A forward force is applied with one hand and a rearward force is applied with the opposite hand to cause a portion of the tearable seal to start to break. The person continues to tear the tearable seal until the top is at least about 90% torn away from a remaining portion of the package. Alternatively, the tearable seal can be completely torn off from a remaining portion of the package. The front and back walls of the package are then pinched between the two hands and the front and back walls are pulled apart to break a remaining portion of the tearable seal and open the package. 
     The general object of this invention is to provide a package having a tearable seal which provides an easy way to seal and open the package. A more specific object of this invention is to provide a package with both a tearable seal and a second seal wherein the second seal is not designed to be broken. 
     Another object of this invention is to provide a package having a tearable seal which is designed to be opened only once. 
     Still another object of this invention is to provide a package with a tearable seal which is easy to manufacture and easy to break. 
     A further object of this invention is to provide a package with a tearable seal which is economical to manufacture. 
     Still further, an object of this invention is to provide a package with a tearable seal which can be sealed before a product is inserted into the package. 
     Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the following description and the accompanying drawings and photos. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of a package having a tearable seal extending between its first and second sides and having a second seal positioned inward of the first and second sides and which is located between the tearable seal and the top of the package. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the package shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of a pillow pouch. 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of a gusseted pouch. 
         FIG. 5  is an enlarged view of the upper left corner of the package. 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of the upper left corner of the package shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  is a front view of a package having a tearable seal extending between its first and second sides, and having a second seal, consisting of a patterned field of point bonds, which are randomly arranged, positioned inward of the first and second sides and which is located between the tearable seal and the top of the package. 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of the package shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  is a front view of a package having a tearable seal extending between its first and second sides, and having a second seal, consisting of a patterned field of angled lines, positioned inward of the first and second sides and which is located between the tearable seal and the top of the package. 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of the package shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  is a front view of a package having a tearable seal that extends from the first side but stops short of the second side, and having a second seal, consisting of a patterned field of point bonds, which are randomly arranged, positioned inward of the first and second sides and which is located between the tearable seal and the top of the package. 
         FIG. 12  is a side view of the package shown in  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  is a photograph of a sealed package having a tearable seal extending across its width to form a top portion having a second seal positioned therein. 
         FIG. 14  is a photograph of a person starting to tear open the tearable seal. 
         FIG. 15  is a photograph of a person continuing to tear open the tearable seal. 
         FIG. 16  is a photograph of the package after the top portion has been completely torn off. 
         FIG. 17  is a photograph of a person pinching the package and pulling the front and rear faces apart so as to break open the remainder of the tearable seal and open the package. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-6 , a package or pouch  10  is depicted which is capable of housing a product or contents. By “package” it is meant a container in which something is packed; a preassembled unit. By “pouch” it is meant something resembling a bag in shape; a bag or sack used to carry various items; a sealed plastic or foil container used in packaging frozen, dehydrated foods or other items. The product or contents (not shown) can be any item, article or substance known to man. The product or contents can be a single item or a plurality of the same, similar or different items. For example, the product or contents could be a food product, such as peas, corn, carrots, etc. or it can be a man made product such as, screws, nuts, washers, etc. 
     Many different kinds of packages  10  are used to house, enclose or contain various products or contents. The products or contents can be in liquid, powder, semi-solid or solid form. The products or contents can include a solution, an article, an item, a substance, etc. The products or contents can be a single liquid solution or a single article or item. Alternatively, the products or contents can consist of two or more articles or items. When the products consists of multiple articles or items, the articles or items can be identical in size, shape and configuration or vary from one another in some way. Likewise, the articles or items can be different from one another. Once the package  10  is filled, it is normally sealed so that the products or contents cannot be removed until the package  10  is opened. This invention relates to a tearable seal  26  which can seal the package  10  until it is ready to be opened. The tearable seal  26  is designed to break or partially tear as one starts to open the package  10 . The tearable seal  26  is then broken open in a second step, thereby allowing access to the products or contents enclosed within the package  10 . 
     The package  10  can be constructed or formed in various sizes and shapes. The package  10  can be formed from one or more different materials. The package  10  can be a flexible container, a rigid container or a semi-rigid container. The package  10  can be formed from various materials, including but not limited to: paper, paperboard, plastic, film, foil, woven fabric, non-woven fabric, fibers, etc. or be a combination of two or more such materials. The package  10  could also be formed from various polymer films, various polymer film laminates, or various polymer film laminates that include, but are not limited to: paper, foil, woven fabric, carbon fiber, etc. The package  10  can also be formed as a pouch constructed of a poly/foil laminate film. 
     The package  10  can be constructed from any of the following materials, including but not limited to: a polyolefin, a polymer film, metal foil, a paper based material, paperboard, cardboard, or a combination of two or more materials. The materials can include but are not limited to: mono-polymers, co-extrusions or laminates. Common materials used to construct the package  10  include: polyethylene (PE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), polypropylene (PP), oriented polypropylene (OPP), biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), oriented polyethylene terephthalate (OPET), nylon, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), aluminum foil, paper, cardboard, Kraft paper, woven film substrates, as well as other materials known to those skilled in the art and any combinations thereof. 
     Various film structures presently utilized in commerce include but are not limited to: 
     HDPE—HDPE—sealant PE; 
     HDPE—HDPE—tie layer—EVOH—tie layer—HDPE—sealant PE; 
     BOPP—print—primer—LDPE—met—OPET—primer—LDPE—sealant PE; 
     Overlacquer—print—paper—LDPE—sealant PE; 
     BOPP—print—adhesive—paper—LDPE—sealant PE; 
     Paper—LDPE—foil—sealant PE; 
     OPP—primer—LDPE—foil—sealant PE; 
     Foil—sealant PE; 
     Nylon—tie layer—PE—tie layer—EVOH—tie layer—sealant PE; 
     OPET—ink—primer—LDPE foil—sealant PE. 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 1-6 , the package  10  has a front wall  12 , a back wall  14 , a first side  16 , a second side  18 , a bottom  20  and a top  22 . The package  10  can vary in size, shape, design and configuration. A rectangular shaped package  10  is shown in  FIG. 1 . Various other shapes known to man can also be used, including but not limited to: a square, a triangle, a circle, as well as a multitude of irregular configurations. The package  10  has a longitudinal central axis X-X, a vertical central axis Y-Y, and a transverse central axis Z-Z. The construction of the package  10  can also vary. In  FIG. 3 , a top view of a pillow package is depicted having a top opening formed therein. By “pillow package” it is meant a package or pouch formed in the shape of a pillow. In  FIG. 4 , a top view of a gusseted package is depicted having an opening formed therein. By “gusseted package” it is meant a package or pouch having one or more gussets. By “gusset” it is meant a triangular insert, as in the seam of a package for added strength or expansion. 
     Generally, the package  10  is constructed in a flat configuration with an opening in either its bottom  20  or its top  22 . Product is inserted through the opening and then the opening is sealed to enclose the product. The package  10  is completely sealed after the product has been inserted into the void area  24 . Alternatively, one could insert the product through one of the sides  16  and  18 , and then seal this location to enclose the product. 
     The front and back walls,  12  and  14  respectively, of the flat, unfilled package  10  can be pulled apart, squeezed or manipulated to create a void area  24  in the package  10 . Alternatively, compressed air can be inserted through the opening of the package  10  to create the void area  24 . The void area  24  is situated between the front and back walls.  12  and  14  respectively, the first and second sides,  16  and  18  respectively, and the bottom and top,  20  and  22  respectively. The void area  24  creates a chamber for housing or enclosing a product. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1, 2 and 5 , the package  10  includes a tearable seal  26 . The tearable seal  26  can be a hermetic seal. By “hermetic seal” it is meant a seal which completely seals a package  10 , especially against the escape or entry of air. The tearable seal  26  is formed in both the front and back walls,  12  and  14  respectively, and secures the front wall  12  to the back wall  14 . The tearable seal  26  can be formed using ultrasonic equipment. Such equipment is commercially available from Aurizon Ultrasonics, LLC having an office at 900 W. Kennedy Avenue, Kimberly, Wis. 54136. Alternatively, the tearable seal  26  could be formed my heat, by pressure, by a combination of heat and pressure, by an adhesive, by a cohesive, etc. 
     The tearable seal  26  can be formed in various ways, including but not limited to: heat sealing, ultrasonic welding, radio frequency (RF) sealing, pressure welding, mechanical welding, etc. 
     The tearable seal  26  is usually positioned closer to the top  22  than the bottom  20  of the package  10 . Alternatively, the tearable seal  26  could be positioned closer to the bottom  20  of the package  10 , if desired. The tearable seal  26  has an end conterminuous with the first side  16 . Desirably, the tearable seal  26  extends continuously from the first side  16  to the second side  18 . In this case, the ends of the tearable seal  26  are conterminous with the first side  16  and the second side  18 . By “conterminous” it is meant sharing a boundary. This feature is important because the tearable seal  26  needs to be broken in order to open the package  10  at a later time to remove the product contained in the package  10 . By making one end of the tearable seal  26  conterminuous with the first side  16 , the force required to initially start to break the tearable seal  26  is substantially less. The tearable seal  26  is designed to be torn open in two steps. In the first step, the tearable seal  26  is torn relative to the package  10 . Then, in the second step, the front wall  12  is pulled away from the back wall  14  which completely opens the tearable seal  26  and thus the package  10 . The force needed to tear open the tearable seal  26  from the package  10  can be less than, equal to, or be greater than the force needed to initially break the tearable seal  26 . The tearable seal  26  can be torn such that at least about 90% of the tearable seal  26  is torn away from the package  10 . The remainder of the tearable seal  26  remains attached to the remainder of the package  10 . Alternatively, the tearable seal  26  can extend continuously from the first side  16  to the second side  18 , such that when it is broken, the top  22  is completely removed from the remainder of the package  10 . 
     The tearable seal  26  has a width w which can vary in dimension. Desirably, the width w of the tearable seal  26  ranges from between about 0.01 inches to about 0.20 inches. More desirably, the width w of the tearable seal  26  ranges from between about 0.02 inches to about 0.15 inches. Even more desirably, the width w of the tearable seal  26  ranges from between about 0.03 inches to about 0.10 inches. Most desirably, the width w of the tearable seal  26  is less than about 0.09 inches. This means that the tearable seal  26  is a relatively thin line. The tearable seal  26  can be a linear line, a curved line, an arcuate line, a sinusoidal line, or be of some other geometrical configuration. The tearable seal  26  can be aligned horizontally or at some angle relative to the top  22 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the package  10  is formed with a front wall  12  and a back wall  14 , which together have a combined thickness t. The combined thickness t is measured when the front and back walls,  12  and  14  respectively, of the package  10  are in a flat configuration and before the package  10  is filled with a product. The tearable seal  26  has a width w which is equal to at least the combined thickness t. Desirably, the tearable seal  26  has a width w which is equal to at least about two times the combined thickness t. More desirably, the tearable seal  26  has a width w which is equal to at least three times the combined thickness t. Even more desirably, the tearable seal  26  has a width w which is equal to at least four times the combined thickness t. Most desirably, the tearable seal  26  has a width w which is equal to at least five times the combined thickness t. The dimensions of the width w of the tearable seal  26  relative to the thickness t of the front and back walls,  12  and  14  respectively, is important to assuring that the tearable seal  26  can be opened with a minimum amount of force. The tearable seal  26  should be visible to the ultimate consumer who purchases the package  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , the front wall  12  has a thickness t 1  and the back wall  14  has a thickness t 2 . The thickness t 1  of the front wall  12  can be equal to, greater than or less than the thickness t 2  of the back wall  14 . Generally, the thickness t 1  of the front wall  12  is equal to the thickness t 2  of the back wall  14 . Each of the thicknesses t 1  and t 2  can range from between about 0.001 inches to about 0.010 inches. Desirably, each of the thicknesses t 1  and t 2  can range from between about 0.001 inches to about 0.005 inches. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , the tearable seal  26  also has a depth d. The depth d is measured inward into the front wall  12  or inward into the back wall  14 . Desirably, the depth d into the front wall  12  is the same as the depth d into the back walls  14 . Generally, the depth d of the tearable seal  26  into both the front wall  12  and into the back wall  14  is identical or approximately equal. The depth d of the tearable seal  26  can range from between about 10% to about 90% of the thickness t 1  of the front wall  12  or of the thickness t 2  of the back wall  14 . Desirably, the depth d of the tearable seal  26  can range from between about 20% to about 80% of the thickness t 1  of the front wall  12  or of the thickness t 2  of the back wall  14 . More desirably, the depth d of the tearable seal  26  can range from between about 30% to about 70% of the thickness t 1  of the front wall  12  or of the thickness t 2  of the back wall  14 . Even more desirably, the depth d of the tearable seal  26  can range from between about 40% to about 60% of the thickness t 1  of the front wall  12  or of the thickness t 2  of the back wall  14 . Most desirably, the depth d of the tearable seal  26  is about 50% of the thickness t 1  of the front wall  12  or of the thickness t 2  of the back wall  14 . 
     The tearable seal  26  requires a relatively small force in order to partially break it. The force required to initially break the tearable seal  26  will vary depending on the materials from which the package  10  is formed, the number of layers used to form the front and back walls,  12  and  14  respectively, the depth d and width w of the tearable seal  26 , how the tearable seal is formed, etc. Generally, the tearable seal  26  can be initially broken using a force of about 5 pounds or less. Desirably, the tearable seal  26  can be initially broken using a force of about 4 pounds or less. More desirably, the tearable seal  26  can be initially broken using a force of about 3 pounds or less. Even more desirably, the tearable seal  26  can be initially broken using a force of from between about 0.5 pounds to about 3 pounds. Most desirably, the tearable seal  26  can be initially broken using a force of from between about 1 pound to about 3 pounds. 
     Once the tearable seal  26  is initially broken, the force required to tear the remainder of the tearable seal  26 , to at least about 90% of the width of the package  10 , can be less than, equal to, or greater than the force required to initially break the tearable seal  26 . Desirably, this force will be about equal to the force required to initially break the tearable seal  26 . This force can range from between about 1 pound to about 3 pounds. Alternatively, the tearable seal  26  could be completely torn away from the remainder of the package  10 . This is possible when the tearable seal  26  extends completely between the first and second sides,  16  and  18  respectfully. 
     With the initial break of the tearable seal  26 , at least about 25% of the width w of the tearable seal  26  is broken away. Desirably, at least about 30% of the width w of the tearable seal  26  is broken away. More desirably, at least about 40% of the width w of the tearable seal  26  is broken away. Even more desirably, at least about 50% of the width w of the tearable seal  26  is broken away. Most desirably, at least about 60% of the width w of the tearable seal  26  is broken away. It should be understood that about 70% or less of the width w of the tearable seal  26  will remain secured to the remainder of the package  10  once the top  22  is partially or fully separated. 
     After the top  22  has been partially or fully separated from the package  10 , a portion of the tearable seal  26  will remain intact and the package  10  will still be sealed and closed. A second breaking step is required. In this second breaking step, a person will grasp and/or pinch the front and back walls,  12  and  14  respectively, between his thumbs and index finger of each hand and pull the front wall  12  and the back wall  14  away from one another. This action causes the remaining portion of the width w of the tearable seal  26  to break and the package  10  will be opened so that the product or contents housed therein can be removed. At least about 90% of the width of the package  10  will be open to allow the product or contents therein to be removed. The force required to pull the front and back walls,  12  and  14  respectively, apart and break the remaining portion of the tearable seal  26  is less than about 5 pounds. Desirably, the force needed to pull the front and back walls,  12  and  14  respectively, apart and to break the remaining portion of the tearable seal  26  is from between about 0.5 pounds to about 4 pounds. More desirably, the force needed to pull the front and back walls,  12  and  14  respectively, apart and to break the remaining portion of the tearable seal  26  is from between about 1 pound to about 3 pounds. Even more desirably, the force needed to pull the front and back walls,  12  and  14  respectively, apart and to break the remaining portion of the tearable seal  26  is less than about 2.5 pounds. Most desirably, the force needed to pull the front and back walls,  12  and  14  respectively, apart and to break the remaining portion of the tearable seal  26  is less than about 2 pounds. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1, 2, 5 and 6 , the package  10  also includes a second seal  28 . The second seal  28  is formed in both in the front and back walls.  12  and  14  respectively. The second seal  28  is shown being formed adjacent to the top  22  of the package  10 . The second seal  28  is positioned inward of the first and second sides,  16  and  18  respectively. This is very important because the second seal  28  is not designed to break in normal use. The second seal  28  is located between the tearable seal  26  and the top  22  of the package  10 . Alternatively, the second seal  28  could be formed adjacent to the bottom  20  of the package  10  provided it is positioned between the tearable seal  26  and the bottom  20 . 
     The second seal  28  can vary in size, shape and configuration. The second seal  28  has a width w 1  and includes a patterned field of bonds  30  within this width w 1 . The width w 1  can vary in dimensions. The width w 1  of the second seal  28  can range from between about 0.10 inches to about 2 inches. Desirably, the width w 1  of the second seal  28  can range from between about 0.15 inches to about 1 inch. More desirably, the width w 1  of the second seal  28  can range from between about 0.20 inches to about 0.75 inches. Even more desirably, the width w 1  of the second seal  28  can range from between about 0.25 inches to about 0.60 inches. Most desirably, the width w 1  of the second seal  28  is greater than about 0.12 inches. 
     The width w 1  of the second seal  28  is larger in dimension than the width w of the tearable seal  26 . Desirably, the width w 1  of the second seal  28  is at least three times the width w of the tearable seal  26 . More desirably, the width w 1  of the second seal  28  is at least five times the width w of the tearable seal  26 . Even more desirably, the width w 1  of the second seal  28  is at least eight times the width w of the tearable seal  26 . Most desirably, the width w 1  of the second seal  28  is at least ten times the width w of the tearable seal  26 . This extra width w 1  reduces the likelihood that the second seal  28  will break before the tearable seal  26  breaks. 
     The second seal  28  can consist of a single bond or two or more bonds. Desirably, the second seal  28  includes a plurality of bonds. The bonds in the patterned field of bonds  30  can be constructed in various ways. For example, the patterned field of bonds  30  can include a plurality of point bonds formed ultrasonically, by using heat, by using pressure, by using a combination of heat and pressure, by using an adhesive, by using glue, by using a co-adhesive, etc. Alternatively, the patterned field of bonds  30  can consist of a single sealing line, strip, or area. Furthermore, the patterned field of bonds  30  can include two or more point bonds, line bonds, strip bonds or bond areas, or any combination thereof. The sealing lines, strips or bond areas can be spaced apart from one another, can overlap one another, or can abut or touch one another. The patterned field of bonds  30  can be arranged in any pattern imaginable by man. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , the patterned field of bonds  30  is depicted as a plurality of point bonds arranged in a regular array. However, the patterned field of bonds  30  could be randomly arranged, if desired. In  FIG. 1 , three horizontal rows of multiple point bonds are depicted, with each row being aligned approximately parallel to the top  22 . The rows could be offset from the top  22 , if desired. 
     The patterned field of bonds  30  has a density. By “density” it is meant the number of bonds contained within a given area. The density of the patterned field of bonds  30  can vary. The patterned field of bonds  30  has a density ranging from between about 1% to about 60% of the area of the patterned field of bonds  30 . Desirably, the patterned field of bonds  30  can have a density ranging from between about 5% to about 50% of the area of the patterned field of bonds  30 . More desirably, the patterned field of bonds  30  can have a density ranging from between about 10% to about 40% of the area of the patterned field of bonds  30 . Even more desirably, the patterned field of bonds  30  can have a density ranging from between about 15% to about 35% of the area of the patterned field of bonds  30 . Most desirably, the patterned field of bonds  30  can have a density ranging from between about 5% to about 25% of the area of the patterned field of bonds  30 . 
     As stated above, the second seal  28  is not designed to be broken or compromised during the normal life of the package  10 . Instead, it is the tearable seal  26  which is designed to be torn open. Because of this, the tearable seal  26  requires less force to initially break than would be required to break the second seal  28 . The tearable seal  26  also requires less force to be torn completely from the package  10  than the second seal  28 . In normal practice, the second seal  28  will not be torn or broken at all. One of the factors that contribute to the second seal  28  not being torn or broken is the fact that the second seal  28  does not extend to the outer edges of the first and second sides,  16  and  18  respectively. By leaving a non-sealed area adjacent to the first and second sides,  16  and  18  respectively, one can limit the possibility that the second seal  28  will be broken. This space can be as small as 1 or 2 millimeters. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , a second embodiment of a package  10 ′ is shown which is similar to the package  10 , shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , except that the second seal  28  has a patterned field of bonds  30  which include a plurality of point bonds which are randomly arranged. Any random arrangement of the point bonds can be utilized. The package  10 ′ has a longitudinal central axis X 1 -X 1 , a vertical central axis Y 1 -Y 1 , and a transverse central axis Z 1 -Z 1 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , a third embodiment of a package  10 ″ is shown which is similar to the package  10 , shown in  FIG. 1 , except that the second seal  28  has a patterned field of bonds  30  which include a plurality of seal lines  32 . The seal lines  32  are aligned parallel to one another in a spaced apart relationship. The seal lines  32  are also aligned at an angle to the tearable seal  26 . The seal lines  32  are aligned at an angle of at least about 10 degrees to the tearable seal  26 . Desirably, the seal lines  32  are aligned at an angle of at least about 15 degrees to the tearable seal  26 . More desirably, the seal lines  32  are aligned at an angle of at least about 20 degrees to the tearable seal  26 . Even more desirably, the seal lines  32  are aligned at an angle of at least about 25 degrees to the tearable seal  26 . Most desirably, the seal lines  32  are aligned at an angle of at least about 30 degrees to the tearable seal  26 . The package  10 ″ has a longitudinal central axis X 2 -X 2 , a vertical central axis Y 2 -Y 2 , and a transverse central axis Z 2 -Z 2 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , a fourth embodiment of a package  10 ′″ is shown which has a tearable seal  26 ′. The tearable seal  26 ′ has an end which is conterminuous with the first side  16 . The opposite end of the tearable seal  26  is spaced apart from the second side  18 . Therefore, the tearable seal  26 ′ does not extend continuously between the first and second sides,  16  and  18  respectively. The tearable seal  26 ′ can extend at least about 70% across the width of the package  10 ′″. Desirably, tearable seal  26 ′ can extend at least about 80% across the width of the package  10 ′″. More desirably, the tearable seal  26 ′ can extend at least about 90% across the width of the package  10 ′″. In this embodiment, when the tearable seal  26 ′ is broken, a small portion, about 10%-30% will remain attached to the remainder of the package  10 ′″. This means that the top  22  will not be completely torn away from the remainder of the package  10 ′″. 
     The package  10 ′″ has a longitudinal central axis X 3 -X 3 , a vertical central axis Y 3 -Y 3 , and a transverse central axis Z 3 -Z 3 . One advantage of creating the package  10 ′″ in this configuration is that one does not have to worry about separately disposing of the top  22  for it will remain attached to the remainder of the package  10 ′″. This means the top  22  will not be completely torn away from the remainder of the package  10 . 
     It should be understood that the packages  10 ,  10 ′,  10 ″ and  10 ′″ can be hermetically sealed. By “hermetically sealed” it is meant that the package  10 ,  10 ′,  10 ″ or  10 ′″ is completely sealed, especially against the escape or entry of air or other gases. Some packages  10 ,  10 ′,  10 ″ and  10 ′″ are filled with nitrogen. Alternatively, the package  10 ,  10 ′,  10 ″ or  10 ′″ does not have to be hermetically sealed but instead the seal can be constructed such that it is able to vent gases. The tearable seal  26  extends across the width of the front and back walls,  12  and  14  respectively. The tearable seal  26  can be a linear line. Alternatively, the tearable seal  26  can be non-linear line. For example, the tearable seal  26  can have an arcuate shape, a sinusoidal shape, etc. Another option is to construct the tearable seal  26  such that it is angled to either the top  22  and/or bottom  20  of the package  10 ,  10 ′,  10 ″ or  10 ′″. The packages  10 ,  10 ′,  10 ″ and  10 ′″ can vary in geometrical shape. The tearable seal  26  can also be shaped to create a pour spout in the package  10 ,  10 ′,  10 ″ or  10 ′″, if desired. It is also possible to seal the packages  10 ,  10 ′,  10 ″ or  10 ′″ so that it fits into another object or device. 
     Method 
     A method of opening the package  10  will now be explained with reference to the photos designated  FIGS. 13-17 . Referring to  FIG. 13 , a package  10  having a front wall  12 , a back wall  14 , a first side  16 , a second side  18 , a bottom  20  and a top  22  is shown. The package  10  also has a tearable seal  26  formed in both the front and back walls,  12  and  14  respectively, which has an end conterminuous with the first side. Desirably, the tearable seal  26  extends continuously from the first side  16  to the second side  18 . The package  10  further has a second seal  28  formed in both the front and back walls,  12  and  14  respectively, which is positioned inward of the first and second sides,  16  and  18  respectively, and which is located between the tearable seal  26  and the top  22 . The second seal  28  is not designed to be broken at any time. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 14 , the method includes the steps of having a person grip the package  10  between a thumb and an index finger of each hand. One hand is positioned above the tearable seal  26  and the other hand is positioned below the tearable seal  26 . The person then applies a forward force with one hand and a rearward force with the opposite hand to cause a portion of the tearable seal  26  to start to break at the first side  16 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 15 and 16 , the person continues to tear the tearable seal  26  until the top  22  is at least about 90% torn away from the remainder of the package. In  FIG. 16 , the tearable seal  26  is completely removed from a remaining portion of the package  10 . With the initial break, at least about 25% of the width w of the tearable seal  26  is broken away. Desirably, at least about 30% of the width w of the tearable seal  26  is broken away. More desirably, at least about 40% of the width w of the tearable seal  26  is broken away. Even more desirably, at least about 50% of the width w of the tearable seal  26  is broken away. Most desirably, at least about 60% of the width w of the tearable seal  26  is broken away. It should be understood that about 70% or less of the width w of the tearable seal  26  will remain secured to the remainder of the package  10  once the top  22  is removed. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 17 , the person then pinches the front and back walls,  12  and  14  respectively, between his or her two hands and pulls the front and back walls,  12  and  14  respectively, apart to break the remaining portion of the width w of the tearable seal  26  which is joined to the remainder of the package  10 . This action causes the remaining portion of the width w of the tearable seal  26  to break and the package  10  will be opened so that the product or contents housed therein can be removed. The force required to pull the front and back walls,  12  and  14  respectively, apart and break the remaining portion of the width w of the tearable seal  26  is less than about 5 pounds. Desirably, the force needed to break the remaining portion of the width w of the tearable seal  26  is from between about 0.5 pounds to about 4 pounds. More desirably, the force needed to break the remaining portion of the width w of the tearable seal  26  is from between about 1 pound to about 3 pounds. Even more desirably, the force needed to break the remaining portion of the width w of the tearable seal  26  is less than about 2.5 pounds. Most desirably, the force needed to break the remaining portion of the width w of the tearable seal  26  is less than about 2 pounds. 
     After the top  22  of the package  10  has been completely torn off from the remainder of the package  10 , it can be properly disposed off in a trash receptacle or into a recycling bind. In the circumstance where the top  22  is not completely torn away from the remainder of the package  10 ′″, see  FIGS. 11 and 12 , a portion of the top  22  will remain secured to the remainder of the package  10 ′″. In this case, the empty package  10 ′″, including the partially torn away top  22  can be properly disposed off. 
     It should also be understood that the tearable seal  26  or  26 ′ cannot be resealed after it has been broken and the package  10 ,  10 ′,  10 ′ or  10 ′″ has been opened. It should be understood that the second seal  28  is not intended to be broken at any time. It is the tearable seal  26  which, when fully broken, will create an opening into the package  10 ,  10 ′,  10 ′ or  10 ′″. Lastly, the tearable seal  26  requires less than about 5 pounds of force to be broken. This means that no special tools, sharp objects, scissors, knives, etc. are needed to open the package  10 ,  10 ′,  10 ′ or  10 ′″. 
     The tearable seal  26  or  26 ′ functions to seal the package  10 ,  10 ′,  10 ″ or  10 ′″ as well as to provide a means of opening the package  10 ,  10 ′,  10 ″ or  10 ′″. Alternatively, the package  10 ,  10 ′,  10 ″ or  10 ′″ can be sealed by another seal after the tearable seal  26  or  26 ′ is formed in the package  10 ,  10 ′,  10 ″ or  10 ′″. For example, the tearable seal  26  or  26 ′ and the second seal  28  can be formed in the package  10 ,  10 ′,  10 ″ or  10 ′″. The bottom  20  can be left open so that the product can be inserted into the package  10 ,  10 ′,  10 ″ or  10 ′″ from the bottom  20 . Then the bottom  20  is sealed to enclose the product in the package  10 ,  10 ′,  10 ″ or  10 ′″. 
     As recited above, a person can initially grasp and/or pinch one edge of the package  10 ,  10 ′,  10 ” or  10 ′″ between his or her thumbs and index fingers such that one hand is positioned above the tearable seal  26  or  26 ′ and the other hand is positioned below the tearable seal  26  or  26 ′. Movement of one hand opposite to the other hand will cause the tearable seal  26  or  26 ′ to tear or break along its length. This action will cause the upper portion or top  22  of the package  10 ,  10 ′,  10 ″ or  10 ′″ to be partially or completely removed from the package  10 ,  10 ′,  10 ″ or  10 ′″ but a lower portion of the tearable seal  26  or  26 ′ will remain secured to the remainder of the package  10 ,  10 ′,  10 ″ or  10 ′″. The package  10 ,  10 ′,  10 ″ or  10 ′″ will still be sealed at this point. The second step for fully breaking the tearable seal  26  or  26 ′ requires the person to grasp, squeeze, manipulate or pinch the front wall  12  and the back wall  14  between each hand and pull the front and back walls,  12  and  14  apart so as to break the remaining portion of the width w of the tearable seal  26   01   26 ′. This action will cause the package  10 ,  10 ′,  10 ″ or  10 ′″ to be opened. The force required to open the remainder of the width w of the tearable seal  26  or  26 ′ is relatively low, once the top  22  of the package  10 ,  10 ′,  10 ″ or  10 ′″, along with a portion of the tearable seal  26  or  26 ′, has been partially or completely removed. 
     EXAMPLE 1 
     A first package was constructed of a film having: “HDPE—HDPE—tie layer—EVOH—tie layer—HDPE—Surlyn”. By “tie layer” it is meant a chemical bond located between two layers in a lamination. “Surlyn” is a sealant layer. SURLYN is a registered trademark of E. du Pont de Nemours and Company, having a mailing address of 1007 Market Street, Wilmington, Del. 19898. The Surlyn layer is not necessary for the tearable seal  26  but was used for the construction of the package  10  using heat sealing equipment. This film structure was converted into a package  10  with gusseted sides and a fin seal running down the center of the back wall of the package. By “fin seal” it is meant a seam created when a single layer of film is folded to form a tube shaped package and the two parallel, outer edges are sealed together, with the fin being the material extending beyond the seal line. The sealing process utilized a 0.060 inches (1.5 millimeters) wide continuous tearable seal  26  with an adjacent patterned field of point bonds  30 , having about 7% density, located above the tearable seal  26 . The tearable seal  26  produced a hermetically sealed package  10 . This package  10  could be opened by a consumer by breaking the tearable seal  26  and removing the top  22 . The remainder of the width w of the tearable seal  26  was broken by pulling on the front and back walls,  12  and  14  respectively, to open the package  10 . 
     The force required to initially break the tearable seal  26  ranged from between about 1 pound to about 3 pounds. The force required to pull open the front and back walls,  12  and  14  respectively, of the package  10  and thereby open the package  10  also ranged from between about 1 pound to about 3 pounds. 
     EXAMPLE 2 
     A second package  10  was constructed of a liner within a paperboard box. The tearable seal  26  was made by bonding through both the paperboard and the liner to create a hermetic seal between the two liner layers. The tearable seal  26  could later be broken to open the package  10  in a similar fashion as was described above in Example 1. The liner in this case was constructed of: “overlacquer—print—paper—LDPE—Surlyn”. By “print” it is meant the ink reverse printed on the inside of the outermost layer of the package for advertising and instruction purposes. Again, the Surlyn layer was not necessary for the tearable seal  26  but was used for the construction of the package  10  using heat sealing equipment. 
     While the invention has been described in conjunction with several specific embodiments, it is to be understood that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description.