Patent Publication Number: US-11027892-B2

Title: Package integrity indicating closure

Description:
This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/721,548, filed Dec. 20, 2012, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,118,741, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/179,103, filed Jul. 24, 2008, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a resealable closure for packages storing articles and, more particularly, packages with resealable closures having a package integrity indicator. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Some containers for food products, such as cookies and other snacks, typically include an outer wrapper. In one type of container, the wrapper surrounds a frame which acts as a tray to hold the food product and to protect the food product from damage. Other food products come packaged in plastic trays, such as thermoform trays, which are sealed on the top using some type of lidding material. One recent advancement in the art of food container closures includes a resealable closure disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,918,532 (hereinafter “the &#39;532 patent”), herein incorporated by reference, which discloses a wrapper which forms a top of the container, which top has an access opening covered by a resealable sealing panel. 
     In the packaging art, different structures have been used to indicate whether a package has been previously opened or whether the integrity of the package has been compromised, which structures are often referred to in the art as “tamper-evident” or “package integrity.” For example, one recent package integrity indicating closure is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/500,497 (hereinafter “the &#39;497 application”), herein incorporated by reference, shows a closure comprising a two-ply material having an inner film layer and an outer film layer forming a top of a container. The outer film layer has a sealing panel covering a portion of the inner film layer which, with the sealing panel, forms an opening. The package integrity feature comprises a panel of the inner film layer which separates from the sealing panel to indicate that the closure has been previously opened. 
     One recent advancement in the art of food containers having a package integrity feature is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/693,751 (hereinafter “the &#39;751 application”), herein incorporated by reference. The &#39;751 application discloses a resealable closure having a package integrity indicator provided by a structure which breaks and/or produces an audible sound when the resealable closure is opened for a first time. The package integrity feature includes at least one strip initially affixed to two portions which comprise the resealable closure so that upon opening the resealable closure for a first time, at least one of the strips breaks, thereby indicating that the package has previously been opened. Package integrity is also provided by a movable panel or removable die-cut tab portions which are misaligned upon resealing of the closure, thus indicating that the package has previously been opened. 
     In the packaging art of non-food items, different methods have been used to indicate whether a package has previously been opened or whether the integrity of the package has been compromised, including the methods disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,589,622; 6,767,604; and 4,679,693. U.S. Pat. No. 6,589,622 discloses a tamper-evident feature in the form of a label flap having a series of perforations which form a tamper indicating tab, such that when the label flap is initially removed from the package, the tamper indicating tab separates from the label flap along the perforations to indicate that the package has been opened. Similarly, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,767,604, package integrity is indicated by a label with pull tab having a pull tab perforation or other weakened portion which divides the tab into a pull portion and an end portion. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,679,693 discloses a main pull tab adhesively sealed to a top surface of a package with an auxiliary pull tab which is completely removed from the main tab prior to opening the container. 
     There is a need in the art for a resealable container, preferably suitable for containing food items, which includes a new and improved package integrity indicator. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to a resealable closure for a container in which package integrity is indicated by a structure which has to be broken prior to gaining access to the contents in the container. Accordingly, an intact structure indicates package integrity, thereby providing an indication that the package has not previously been opened. 
     The present package integrity feature can be used by itself to indicate package integrity or it can complement the package integrity features disclosed in the &#39;751 application. When used with the package integrity features of the &#39;751 application, the present new package integrity feature further ensures that the closure cannot be even initially partially opened for a first time without the present integrity feature having first been broken, and thus visible by observing the exterior of the container. 
     The present invention, in one form, relates to a package integrity feature comprising a closure, covering an opening into a container, and at least one structure associated with the closure, connecting the closure to a remaining portion of the container. Upon opening the closure for a first time, the structure stretches, increasing a length of the structure until the structure eventually breaks, leaving one or both residual ends of the broken structure rippled or curved upward from the remaining portion of the container. In various alternative further embodiments, the structure may comprise a strip extending from a tab portion of the closure to the remaining portion of the container. In yet a further alternative embodiment, there may be at least two structures associated with the closure, one on either side of a tab portion of the closure. 
     Advantageously, the structure is integrally formed with the closure and the remaining portion of the container, and the closure is in the form of a sealing panel, wherein the sealing panel is releasable from the remaining portion of the container by pulling back in a peeling direction, thereby stretching the structure associated with the sealing panel and eventually breaking the structure to gain access to the contents inside. The sealing panel is reclosable against the remaining portion of the container to seal the opening when the sealing panel is moved back against the remaining portion of the container. 
     The present invention, in another form thereof, relates to a package integrity feature comprising at least one structure associated with the sealing panel of a resealable closure of a container. The structure is integrally formed with the sealing panel on one end and a remainder of the container on the other end. The structure is constructed to break its connection between the sealing panel and the remainder of the container when the sealing panel is pulled back from the remainder of the container for a first time, thereby leaving the sealing panel free of its attachment to the container through the structure. 
     In various further alternative forms, the breakable structure comprises a curved strip, such as a strip in the shape of an arc or a wavy shape having a concave segment and a convex segment, a structure having one or more narrowing segments followed with one or more broader or wider segments, whereby the structure stretches along the narrow portion and eventually breaks. 
     The present invention, in another form thereof, relates to an integrity indicating closure for a container, the closure comprising an at least two-ply material comprising an inner layer adhesively joined to an outer layer and forming a top of the container. The inner layer has an inner layer panel and the outer layer has a sealing panel. The sealing panel completely covers the inner layer panel. At least one strip is integrally formed from the material which comprises the outer layer and connects the sealing panel to a remaining portion of the outer layer. The inner layer panel and the sealing panel are permanently joined to each other to provide an access opening into the container. Releasable adhesive is provided around a perimeter of the sealing panel for adhering the sealing panel to the inner panel. The sealing panel is releasable from the inner layer by pulling back the sealing panel in a peeling direction and resealable against the top to seal the opening when the sealing panel is moved back against the top. 
     Advantageously, after the structure breaks, one or both residual ends of the broken structure are rippled or curved upward from the top of the container. 
     The present invention, in one form, relates to a package integrity feature comprising a structure associated with an end portion of a resealable closure of a container. The structure is breakably attached to the end portion on one end of the structure and permanently attached to a remainder of the container at a second end of the structure, wherein the breakable structure is constructed such that it can be grasped from below with one&#39;s fingers and broken to thereby break its connection between the tab portion and the remainder of the container, thereby leaving the end portion free of its attachment to the container through the structure. 
     In various further specific forms, the structure comprises a strip extending between a tab portion of the closure, which comprises the end portion of the closure, and an adjacent portion of the container, and the strip includes a weakened portion. Further, advantageously, the structure is preferably raised from a top surface of the container which allows one to easily grasp the breakable structure from below with one&#39;s fingers. 
     The present invention, in yet another form thereof, relates to a package integrity indicating feature comprising a film layer forming a top of the container and having a flap defining an access opening to gain access to the contents of the container. A sealing panel completely covers the flap of the film layer. The sealing layer comprises a pull tab with a strip which is permanently affixed to the top. The pull tab and the strip define a gap between the top of the container and the pull tab and strip. A releasable adhesive is provided on either or both the sealing panel or the film layer adhering the sealing panel to the film layer. The sealing panel is releasable from the film layer, after the strip joining the sealing panel to a portion of the top has been broken, by pulling the sealing panel back in a peeling direction and is reclosable against the top to seal the access opening when the sealing panel is moved back against the top. 
     The present invention, in another form thereof, concerns a package integrity indicating feature comprising a structure associated with an end portion of a resealable closure of a container. Both the end portion and the structure are non-adhered to an adjacent top surface of the container. The structure is breakably attached to the end portion and permanently attached to a remainder of the container, wherein the structure must be separated between the end portion of the resealable closure and the remainder of the container in order to open the resealable closure. 
     The present invention, in another form thereof, relates to a package integrity indicating feature comprising an at least two-ply material comprising a first film layer adhesively joined to a second film layer. A first tear line is formed in the first film layer defining a first layer panel for providing an access opening through the first film layer when separated from the first film layer along the first tear line. The second film layer has a second layer tear line defining a sealing panel having one end terminating at a breakable structure. The sealing panel completely covers the first layer panel. The second film layer includes a releasable adhesive layer for releasably adhering the sealing panel to the first film layer, wherein the second film layer can be pulled back and separated from the first film layer to expose the access opening and gain access to the contents therein only after the breakable structure is broken. Food items disposed in the container may include, but are not limited to, cookies, crackers, peanuts, cheese, sliced meats and semi-solid foods. 
     Other features and advantages of the present invention are stated in or apparent from detailed descriptions of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention which follow. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a package, including an exemplary closure prior to an initial opening, according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  shows the package of  FIG. 1  in a partially opened condition; 
         FIG. 3  is a partial plan view of the closure of  FIG. 1 , as viewed from below, in its initial condition prior to being opened for a first time; 
         FIG. 4  is a partial plan view of the closure of  FIG. 1 , after an initial opening and resealing; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of another package, in accordance with the present invention, including a closure that has been opened; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of another package, in accordance with the present invention, with the package integrity feature, shown in a partially opened condition; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of another package, in accordance with the present invention, including a closure that has not been opened; 
         FIG. 8  shows the package of  FIG. 7 , shown in a partially opened condition; 
         FIG. 9  is a partial plan view of the closure of  FIG. 7 , as viewed from below, in its initial condition prior to being opened for a first time; 
         FIG. 10  is a partial plan view of the closure of  FIG. 7 , after the package has been previously opened and resealed; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of another package, prior to an initial opening, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of another package, including a package integrity feature, shown in its initial unopened condition; 
         FIG. 13 a    shows the package of  FIG. 12  in a partially opened condition; 
         FIG. 13 b    shows the package of  FIG. 12 , after it has been opened and resealed; 
         FIG. 14  shows another package, in accordance with the present invention, with package integrity feature shown in its initial unopened condition; 
         FIG. 15 a    shows the package of  FIG. 14  in a partially opened condition; 
         FIG. 15 b    shows the package of  FIG. 14 , after the package has been opened and resealed; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of another package according to the present invention, in its initial unopened condition; 
         FIG. 17  shows the package of  FIG. 16  in a partially opened condition; 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of another package prior to an initial opening, according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 19 a    shows the package of  FIG. 18  in a first partially opened condition; 
         FIG. 19 b    shows the package of  FIG. 18  in a further partially opened condition; 
         FIG. 20  is a partial plan view of the closure of  FIG. 18 , as viewed from below, in its initial condition, prior to being opened for a first time; 
         FIG. 21 a    is a partial plan view of the closure of  FIG. 18 , just after a package integrity feature, in the form of a breakable structure, has been broken; 
         FIG. 21 b    is a partial plan view of the closure of  FIG. 18 , after an initial opening and resealing; 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view of another package, in accordance with the present invention, including a closure that has been opened; 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of another package, in accordance with the present invention, with package integrity feature shown in a partially opened condition; 
         FIG. 24  is a partial plan view of the closure of  FIG. 23 , after an initial opening and resealing; and 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view of another package, prior to an initial opening, in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The package integrity feature of the present invention is, in one form, an improvement of the package shown in the &#39;751 application, which, for convenience, is described in further detail therein. The present new package integrity feature can be used to complement the package integrity features of the &#39;751 application, as shown in  FIGS. 1-10 and 12-24 , or by itself, as shown in  FIGS. 11 and 25 . 
     Referring to the figures and, in particular,  FIGS. 1-4 , there is shown package  10  with closure  11  which incorporates a package integrity feature. Package  10  includes a two-ply wrapper comprising a first, inner film layer  12  and a second, outer film layer  13  forming a top or upper surface  14 , sides  16 , lower surface (not shown), and crimped ends  18 ,  19 . The inner film layer  12  and outer film layer  13  are formed from a polymeric film or other flexible material that has been cut, folded or otherwise pressed to define an inner space or receptacle for receiving the desired product, such as food items, to be provided within the package  10 . Package  10  can be used to store and distribute food items  58  such as cookies, crackers, candy or other items. The outer film layer  13  may include graphics or other indicia to identify the contents of the package  10 . 
     Advantageously, the inner film layer  12  is coextensively formed and adhesively joined to the outer film layer  13 . During the manufacturing of the package  10 , the inner film layer  12  is die cut on its side via tear line  20 , which includes all of the dashed lines in  FIG. 1 . The outer film layer  13  is die cut on its side via a second layer tear line  21 . The creation of tear lines  20 ,  21  are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 2005/0276525, herein incorporated by reference. 
     Tear line  20  is formed as a continuous tear line to define inner panel  22 . Tear line  20  also defines strip  52 . Tear line  21  defines sealing panel  26  of the outer film layer  13  and package integrity structure  40 . Advantageously, package  10  includes a pair of package integrity structures  40 , one on opposite sides of pull tab  30 . It is preferable to have an even number of structures  40  with an equal number on opposite sides of the sealing panel  26 . Although the figures show two structures  40 , any even number is preferable when opening closure  11  for a first time, as described below. 
     The sealing panel  26  extends beyond the periphery of the tear line  20  so that the sealing panel  26  completely covers and extends beyond the perimeter of the inner panel  22  and strip  52 . As a result, the sealing panel  26  completely covers the inner panel  22  and strip  52 . 
     The package integrity structure  40  of the present invention comprises a curved elongated portion extending from a remaining portion of the sealing panel  26  at  40   a  and terminates at a structure end  40   e  in the shape of parallel “U&#39;s,” defined by die cut  21 , which helps ensure that the outer film layer  13  will not tear proximate the end  40   e  and ensures end  40   e  will remain permanently and integrally part of the outer film layer  13  when a user opens package  10 , closure  11  for a first time. Structure  40  is integrally formed with the sealing panel  26  and a remainder of the outer film layer  13 , due to die cut  21  forming structure  40  from the outer film layer  13 . 
     The outer film layer  13  is adhesively joined to the inner film layer  12 . The inner panel  22  can be separated from the remainder of the inner film layer  12  to expose opening  24 , whereby access to the contents  58  of the package  10  may be gained. As the inner panel  22  is withdrawn, as shown in the &#39;751 application, structures  40  will initially stretch due to the elasticity of the material which comprises the outer film layer  13 . As structures  40  stretch, their length will increase and their width will narrow. Eventually, the structures  40  will be stretched beyond their limits and snap or break, forming complementary broken ends  40   c  and define the resulting broken structures portions  40   b ,  40   d . Due to the material of outer film layer  13 , the resulting structures  40   b ,  40   d  will have a random or variable shape and form. Further, the structure  40  can break at any portion along the length of structure  40 ; however, typically, structure  40  will break somewhere near the middle between the sealing panel  26  and the remaining portion of the top  14 , i.e. between end  40   a  and end  40   e . Regardless of where along the length of structure  40  the break occurs, the resulting portions  40   b ,  40   d  will be rippled and/or curved upward from the remainder of the package  10  ( FIG. 2 ). 
     A benefit of having an equal number of structures  40  on either side of tab  30 , ensures that an even, approximately balanced force can be applied to sealing panel  26  when pulling back sealing panel  26  for a first time to break structures  40 . If there were an unequal number of structures  40  on either side of tab  30 , more force would have to be applied to the side having more structures  40 . 
     Further, as the inner panel  22  is withdrawn, as shown in the &#39;751 application, strip  52  will break, as shown in  FIG. 2 . Strip  52  is integrally formed and remains attached to the remaining portion of the inner film layer  12  which comprises the top  14  at strip portions  50   a , respectively. An end portion  52   d  remains integrally attached to the first panel  22  and end portion  52   b  remains integrally attached to the inner film layer  12 . Strip  52  has a weakened portion defined by a narrowing of the width of the strip at portion  52   c . Advantageously, the die cut of tear line  20  forms the strip end  52   e  in the shape of parallel “U&#39;s” which help ensure that strip  52  will not tear at end  52   e  and will remain integrally joined to the inner panel  22  and allow the strip  52  to break at the weakened narrow strip portion  52 . 
     The side of the sealing panel  26  which faces the inner film layer  12  is coated with a resealable adhesive  28  (see  FIG. 2 ), so that the sealing panel  26  may be resealably secured to the inner film layer  12  at the portion adjacent the inner panel  22 . The sealing panel  26  includes the tab  30  or other pullable feature which is not coated with adhesive  28  so that the sealing panel  26  may be peeled back from the inner film layer  12  to open the package  10 . 
     Alternatively, or along with releasable adhesive  28 , releasable adhesive can be coated on the inner film layer  12  along the outside perimeter of the inner panel  22 . The releasable adhesive can be any pressure sensitive adhesive which allows resealing and includes, but is not limited to, the adhesives disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,350,688, herein incorporated by reference. 
     Referring now specifically to  FIG. 1 , package  10  is opened by first grasping the tab  30  which allows one to pull the sealing panel  26  back for a first time, resulting in structures  40  and  52  stretching. Structure ends  40   a  and strip portion  52   a  remain integrally attached to the remaining portion of the outer film layer  13  and inner film layer  12 , respectively ( FIG. 2 ). 
     Package integrity is indicated by closure  11  through several features incorporated into the closure  11 . Initially, package integrity is indicated visually by observing intact package integrity structures  40 , as noted. If the closure  11  has been previously opened, structures  40  will no longer be intact and no longer adhere to the top surface of the package  10 . In fact, as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 , once closure  11  has been opened for a first time, structure  40  will be broken, resulting in structure portions  40   b ,  40   d  which are rippled, curved and raised from a top surface of the package  10 . 
     Further, package integrity is indicated by observing intact integrally joined strip  52 , which advantageously breaks upon opening the closure  11  a sufficient amount prior to allowing one to remove the contents therein. In addition, package integrity is indicated by an audible sound produced when structures  40  and strip  52  break upon opening the package for a first time. Additionally, since the sealing panel  26  does not generally return to its exact position but, instead, is slightly misaligned relative to its original position, package integrity is indicated by misalignment of the sealing panel  26  with the remaining portion of the outer film layer  13  of top  14  ( FIG. 4 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , like elements to those of the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-4  are increased by 100. Package  110  comprises a thermal formed tray  60  which forms the sides  116  and ends  61 ,  62 . A two-ply film material comprising an inner film layer  112  and an outer film layer  113  are sealed to flange  63  of the thermal formed tray  60 . As with package  10 , package integrity is indicated by the presence of an intact structures  140  being integrally formed with the sealing panel  126  and a remainder of outer film layer  113 , which forms the top of the package  110 . Further, as with package  10 , pulling back on tab  130  separates the sealing panel  126  from the outer film layer  113  and separates the inner panel  122  from the inner film layer  112  and structures  140  and portions of strip  152 . After package  110  has been opened for a first time, the package integrity structures  140  will break at  140   c , forming portions  140   b ,  140   d , and strip  152  will break at narrow strip portions  152   c , providing visual indication of package integrity status which show that the package has previously been opened, as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     Package  110  can be used for various food items, such as cheese, sliced meats and the like. In addition, package  110  can be used for semi-solid items, such as pudding and yogurt. Although package  110  is depicted as having a rectangular shape, the package  110  can have any shape, including cylindrical and irregular. 
     The inner and outer film layers  112 ,  113  may be formed of the same material as layers  12 ,  13 , which includes polypropylene, polyethylene, cellophane or any other polymeric material suitable for forming a package enclosure. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , like elements to those of the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-4  are increased by 300. Package  310  is designed to accommodate a single row of food items, such as cookies  358 . When opening package  310  for a first time, structures  340  will break, separating the sealing panel  326  from the remaining portion of the outer film layer  313 , thereby allowing one to pull back sealing panel  326  from the top of the package  310 . Package integrity is indicated by broken structures  340 , as well as by observing the status of strip  352 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 7-10 , like elements to those of the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-4  are increased by 400. Package  410  has a package integrity structure  440  in the shape of a wavy strip, rather than the curved strip  40  of package  10 . The wavy shape of structure  440  has a concave segment  440   b  and a convex segment  440   d . Package  410  indicates package integrity in a similar manner to that of package  10 , in that in an initial condition, prior to the sealing panel  426  being peeled back for a first time, package integrity is indicated by observing intact structures  440 . 
     Upon withdrawing sealing panel  426  for a first time, structures  440  will initially stretch and increase in length, and eventually break, resulting in broken ends  440   c  and segments  440   b  and  440   c  being rippled, curved and/or raised from a top surface of the remaining portion of the top  414  of package  410  ( FIGS. 8 and 10 ). Likewise, as with package  10 , withdrawing sealing panel  426  for a first time, first stretches and then eventually breaks strip  452 . 
     As noted above, the package integrity feature of the present invention can be used by itself instead of as a complement to the package integrity feature of the &#39;751 application.  FIG. 11  is representative of any package wherein the package integrity feature of the present invention is the sole package integrity feature. Referring now to  FIG. 11 , like elements to those of the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-4  are increased by 500. Package  510  includes package integrity structure  540 , which joins sealing panel  526  to the remaining portion of the outer film layer  513 , as the sole package integrity feature. 
     Package integrity is indicated in package  510  by an intact structure  540  attached to sealing panel  526  and a perimeter of the outer film layer  513 . A user opens closure  511  by pulling back on tab  530  to withdraw sealing panel  526  from the top of package  510 , thereby separating the inner panel  522  from the inner film layer  512  to gain access to the contents contained within package  510 . Pulling back on tab  530  for a first time results in structures  540  stretching and eventually breaking, as described above with regard to structures  40  of package  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 12-13   b , like elements to those of  FIGS. 1-4  have been increased by 600. Package  610  is identical to package  10 , except that structure  640  has a narrow portion  640   f  connected to a broader band portion  640   d . When sealing panel  626  is pulled back for a first time, by grasping tab  630 , the structure  640  initially stretches and then breaks at the narrow portion  640   f , resulting in broken ends  640   c  ( FIG. 13 a   ). Likewise, as in package  10 , pulling back sealing panel  626  for a first time results in strip  652  breaking. When the sealing panel  626  is returned flat on the top of the package  610 , indication that the package  610  has been previously opened is visible by the broken structures  640 , the slight misalignment of portions  640   b ,  640   d  with the remainder of the material forming the outer layer  613 , and possible misalignment of the sealing panel  626  with the remainder of the outer layer  613  ( FIG. 13 b   ). In addition, structures  640   b ,  640   d  may be slightly raised from the top surface  614  of package  610 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 14-15   b , like elements to those of  FIGS. 1-4  are increased by 700. Package  710  is the same as package  610 , except the location of the broad band portion  740   b  is located closer to the sealing panel  626 , rather than the remaining portion of the top  714  of the container. As a result, when package  710  is opened for a first time, and structure  740  breaks, forming ends  740   c , the break will be away from the sealing panel  726 , relative to that in package  610 , resulting in the broader band portion  740   b  remaining attached to the sealing panel  726  (see  FIG. 15 a   ). Conversely, in package  610 , the broader band portion  640   d  remains attached to the remaining portion of the outer layer  613  (see  FIG. 13 a   ). Package integrity is indicated by broken structures  740 , as well as misalignment of portions  740   b ,  740   d  with the remaining portion of the outer layer  713 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 16 and 17 , like elements to those of  FIGS. 1-4  are increased by 800. Package  810  is identical to package  10 , except that structure  840  comprises two narrow portions  840   f  and  840   g  with a wider section  840   b  in the middle. When the sealing panel  826  is pulled back for a first time, the structure  840  will break at either portion  840   f  or  840   g . For example, as shown in  FIG. 17 , the structure  840  is shown broken at portions  840   g.    
     Referring now to  FIGS. 18-21   b , like elements to those of  FIGS. 1-4  are increased by 900. Package  910  has a package integrity feature structure  940 , which integrally attaches sealing panel  926  to the remaining portion of the outer layer  913  at tab  930 . Specifically, the package integrity structure  940  of the present invention comprises a narrow portion of strip  940   f , which is attached to pull tab  930  on one end and a wider portion  940   b  on its other end, which is permanently attached to the remainder of the package. The structure  940  is integrally formed with the pull tab  930  of the sealing panel  926  and a remainder of the outer film layer  913  due to die cut  921  forming structure  940  from the outer film layer  913 . The die cut  921  forms the structure end  940   e  in the shape of parallel “U”&#39;s, which help ensure that the outer film layer  913  will not tear proximate the end  940   e  and that portion  940   b  will remain permanently and integrally part of the outer film layer  913  when a user breaks the structure  940  prior to opening the closure  911  for a first time. 
     Advantageously, structure  940 , along with pull tab  930 , are raised from a remainder of the upper surface  914  which is formed by outer film layer  913 , defining gap  942  between the inner film layer  912 , the structure  940  and pull tab  930 . The raised structure  940  enables one to easily grasp structure  940  from below withone&#39;s fingers and break or separate structure  940  from the pull tab  930 . Alternatively, the structure  940  may lie essentially flat, but with no adhesive between it and the top surface of the package. As a result, one may, by slightly pushing in the package at that point, still grasp the structure  940  from below. 
     Die cuts  25  define a plurality of tab portions  27  in the sealing panel  926  which comprise one of the package integrity features of the &#39;751 application. The sealing panel  926  extends beyond the periphery of the tear line  920  so that the sealing panel  926  completely covers and extends beyond the perimeters of the inner panel  922  and strips  50 ,  952 ,  54 . As a result, the sealing panel  926  completely covers the inner panel  922  and strips  50 ,  952 ,  54 . 
     The outer film layer  913  is adhesively joined to the inner film layer  912 . After the breakable structure  940  has been broken, as discussed in detail below, the inner panel  922  can be separated from the remainder of the inner film layer  912  to expose an opening  924 , whereby access to the contents of the package  910  may be gained. As the inner panel  922  is withdrawn, and as shown in the &#39;751 application, strips  50 ,  952 ,  54  will break, as shown in  FIGS. 19 a  and 19 b   . Each strip  50 ,  952 ,  54  is integrally joined and remains attached to the remaining portion of the inner film layer  912  which comprises the top  914  at strip portions  50   a ,  952   a  and  54   a , respectively. End portions of strips  50 ,  952 ,  54  remain integrally attached to the first panel  922  at strip portions  50   b ,  952   b  and  54   b , respectively. Each strip  50 ,  952 ,  54  has a weakened portion defined by a narrowing of the width of the strip at portions  50   c ,  952   c  and  54   c , respectively, and parallel “U” shaped ends  50   d ,  952   d  and  54   d.    
     The side of the sealing panel  926  which faces the inner film layer  912 , including tab portions  27 , is coated with a releasable adhesive  928  (see  FIGS. 19 a  and 19 b   ), so that the sealing panel  926  may be resealably secured to the inner film layer  912  at a portion adjacent the inner panel  922 , and so that the tab portions  27  remain permanently affixed to the inner film layer  912 . The sealing panel  926  includes the tab  930  or other gripping feature which is not coated with adhesive  928 , so that the sealing panel  926  may be peeled back from the inner film layer  912  to open the package  910 . In addition, structure  940  is not coated with an adhesive, so that a user can easily grasp the structure  940 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 18 and 21   a , package  10  is preferably opened by first grasping the main portion  940   b  of the package integrity structure  940 , which is preferably raised from the top surface of the package  910 , with one&#39;s fingers and then pulling the main portion  940   b  in a direction parallel to the top surface of the package or slightly up and away from the package to break the structure  940  at the narrow portion of strip  940   c  (see  FIG. 4 a   ). The polymeric or other flexible material, which comprises outer film layer  913  and thus forms structure  940 , allows a user to easily tear the structure  940 . 
     Although it is preferable to first break structure  940  as described above, alternatively, one can break structure  940  by grasping tab  940  and pulling back in a peeling direction  933 , which will result in the structure  940  stretching at portion  940   f  until structure  940  eventually breaks, forming ends  940   c.    
     Referring now to  FIGS. 19 a , 19 b  and 21 b   , after structure  940  has been broken, the sealing panel  926  can be pulled back, resulting in the inner panel  922  being separated from the remainder of the inner film layer  912 . Strip portions  50   a ,  952   a ,  54   a  remain integrally attached to the remaining portion of the inner film layer  912  and strip portions  50   b ,  952   b ,  54   b  remain integrally attached to the inner panel  922  ( FIG. 20 ). 
     In addition, tab portions  27  separate from the sealing panel  26  and remain attached to the inner film layer  12 , due to adhesive  28 , to thereby form holes  32  in the sealing panel  26  ( FIGS. 19 and 21 ). 
     Initially, upon opening the closure  911 , the strip portions  50   a ,  952   a ,  54   a  separate from the sealing panel  926 , while strip portions  50   b ,  952   b ,  54   b  remain attached to the sealing panel  926 , as shown in  FIG. 19 a   . At some point upon peeling the sealing panel  926  back, strip  952  breaks while strips  50  and  54  remain intact ( FIG. 19 a   ). Pulling the sealing panel  926  further in the direction of arrow  933  further opens the closure  911  and eventually strips  50  and  54  break at narrowing strip portions  50   c  and  54   c , respectively. 
     Package integrity is indicated by closure  911  through several features incorporated into the closure  911 . Initially, package integrity is indicated visually by observing an intact package integrity structure  940  which must be broken in order for one to even begin to open the closure  911  by pulling back sealing panel  926 . Further, package integrity is indicated by observing intact integrally joined strips  50 ,  952 ,  54  which advantageously break upon opening the closure  911  a sufficient amount prior to allowing one to remove the contents therein. In addition, package integrity is indicated by audible sounds produced when the strips break upon opening the package for a first time. Additionally, since the sealing panel  926  does not generally return to its exact original position but, instead, is slightly misaligned relative to its original position, package integrity is indicated by such misalignment of the sealing panel holes  32  with the tab portions  25 , as the sealing panel has been opened and resealed ( FIG. 21 b   ). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 22 , like elements to those of the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-4  are increased by 1000. Package  1010  comprises a thermoform tray  1060  which forms the sides  1016  and ends  1061 ,  1062 . A two-ply film material comprising an inner film layer  1012  and an outer film layer  1013  is sealed to flange  1063  of the thermoform tray  1060 . As with package  10 , package integrity is indicated by the presence of an intact structure  1040  being integrally formed with the sealing panel  1026  and a remainder of the outer film layer  1013 , which forms the top of the package  1010 . 
     Further, as with package  10 , pulling back on table  1030  separates the sealing panel  1026  from the outer film layer  1013  and separates the inner panel  1022  from the inner film layer  1012  and portions of strips  1050 ,  1052  and  1054 . After package  1010  has been opened for a first time, package integrity structure  1040  will be broken and strips  1050 ,  1052 ,  1054  will break at narrow strip portions  1050   c ,  1052   c ,  1054   c , providing visual indication of package integrity status, which shows that the package has previously been opened, as shown in  FIG. 22 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 23 and 24 , like elements to those of the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-4  are increased by 1100. Package  1110  has a single strip  1152  located at a mid-portion of the opening  1124 . Package  1110  is designed to accommodate a single row of food items, such as cookies  1158 . In order to open package  1110  for a first time, breakable structure  1140  must be broken, separating package integrity structure main body  1140   b  from the tab portion  1130 , thereby allowing one to pull back sealing panel  1126  from the top of the package  1110 . The breaking of structure  1140  can occur either by first detaching the structure from the remaining portion of the sealing panel  1126  or by pulling back on tab  1130 , which will stretch and eventually break structure  1140   c . Package integrity is indicated by a broken structure  1140 , as well as by observing the status of the strips  1152  and the alignment of tab portions  1125  with sealing panel holes  1132  ( FIG. 24 ). As previously noted above, the package integrity feature of the present invention can be used by itself, instead of as a complement to the package integrity features of the &#39;751 application.  FIG. 25  is representative of any package, wherein the package integrity feature of the present invention is the sole package integrity feature. 
     Referring now specifically to  FIG. 25 , like elements to those of the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-4  increases by 1200. Package  1210  includes package integrity feature  1240 , joined to tab  1230 , as the sole package integrity feature. Package integrity is indicated in package  1210  by an intact structure  1240  attached to tab  1230 . Prior to opening package  1210  for a first time, one either grasps the narrow portion of strip  1240   f  and separates it from tab  1230 , which subsequently allows a user to now be able to pull back on tab  1230  to withdraw sealing panel  1226  from the top of package  1210 , thereby separating the inner panel  1222  from the inner film layer  1212  to gain access to the contents contained within the package  1210 . Alternatively, a user may grasp tab  1230  and pull back in a peeling direction  1233 , which will result in structure  1240  breaking at portion  1240   c , thereby allowing one to continue to pull back sealing panel  1226  to gain access to the contents therein. 
     As will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, the present package integrity feature of the present closure offers benefits over prior tamper-evident or package integrity features.