Patent ID: 12214943

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims.

The following disclosure relates to hang tabs that may be used in packaging finished goods, where the hang tabs are made of paper adhered to the outside of the packaging or package, are easily opened by an end user, and serve to provide a tamper-evident seal while keeping the package closed. As described herein, packages with hang tabs provide secure finished goods packaging in a closed configuration and allow the packages to be hung for display. Moreover, such hang tabs allow an end user to recycle the entire package materials and further allow the package to be displayed aesthetically at a retail store.

Some embodiments include a package hang tab composed of one or more layers made of paper adhered to each other (other environmentally friendly recyclable or biodegradable materials are also envisioned). In some embodiments, each of the layers has a corresponding opening to be hung on a rack or peg. In an illustrated embodiment, one or more layers is formed with offset kiss-cuts on each side for allowing the respective layer to be torn laterally within the layer when a user pulls on a grip portion of the layer to separate a tear strip from the hang tab and thereby allow the package to be opened. Further, when the layer is thus laterally torn; tamper-evident interior surfaces of the paper layer are created and exposed because a lower portion of the layer remains adhered to the package while the upper portion is torn off. The layers composed of the package hang tab may be formed of the same material or different materials that are recyclable.

Once the hang tab is torn, partially or completely, by a user, resealing is not possible due to the characteristics of the unitary paper layer. This feature provides a packaging solution utilizing environmentally friendly materials while allowing for the hang tab functioning as a tamper-evident seal to provide added assurance to a customer or a retailer that the packaging has not been opened or tampered with (e.g., there has been no “unauthorized” opening of a package prior to the intended opening).

Hang tabs may be used for retail packages (i.e., finished packaging for containing and conveying a product to a user such as may be used in a retail setting, not shipping packaging providing outer packaging for containing a packaged product during shipment) that one may expect to find on the shelf in a retail store, and which one may open after purchase to directly access their product. The hang tabs may be made out of recyclable and/or biodegradable materials, such as paper, cardboard, greyboard, or other cellulose-based products that can reduce environmental impact. The packages to which the hang tabs are applied may be similarly formed of recyclable and/or biodegradable materials, such as paper, cardboard, greyboard, cardboard corrugate, or other cellulose-based products (e.g., the package may be formed of the same material as the hang tab). This can help reduce environmental impact, especially when it is intuitive for a customer to properly recycle the packaging with hang tab and it may be recycled in a single-stream system.

Packages used with such hang tabs as described herein may contain a product, for example, an electronic device such as, for example, headphones, or smartphone, or accessories for an electronic device. In any case, the hang tabs made of paper may be used in any retail store having various shaped wire racks or pegs for displaying products packaged in packages and secured sealed by the hang tabs.

These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference toFIGS.1-10B. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

FIG.1illustrates a hang tab assembly100affixed to a package10, according to some embodiments, andFIG.2illustrates hang tab assembly100affixed to package10in use, while the kiss-cut seal is partially unsealed.FIG.3illustrates exploded views of hang tab assembly100, andFIGS.4A,4B,5A,5B,6A and6Billustrate hang tab assembly100in various states of assembly.

In some embodiments, hang tab assembly100can be used to display an item, such as a package10or an item contained therein. In some embodiments, package10may be a box. The displayed item, however, in some embodiments does not have to be a box or be contained within a package (e.g., a box), but can be any item to which the hang tab assembly100can be affixed. In such embodiments, hang tab assembly100may be affixed directly to the item.

FIG.3shows an exploded view of hang tab assembly100. Hang tab assembly100may be composed of at least one layer of paper material (e.g., two or three layers of paper). As used herein, paper encompasses cellulose-based sheet material of various thicknesses and compositions, including, for example, letter paper, card stock, cover stock, and cardboard, of single-ply or multi-ply structure.

Hang tab assembly100may be one unitary layer or formed of two or more layers. In some embodiments, hang tab assembly100may include one layer, that is, an outer layer200. In some embodiments, hang tab assembly100may include two layers, that is, outer layer200and an inner layer300, each of which may be formed of a suitable paper material. In some embodiments, each layer may be formed of multi plies (e.g., multi-ply papers) of fibers (e.g., solid bleached primary fibers) pressed in one paper layer which provides desirable strength and stiffness while being able to be torn internally (e.g., in a direction parallel to the paper's surfaces) as will be described in more detail below.

In some embodiments hang tab assembly100may further include a support layer400arranged between outer layer200and inner layer300such that support layer400may have one side attached to outer layer200and the opposite side attached to inner layer300. Support layer400may be formed of paper different from or the same as outer layer200and inner layer300. In selecting the materials for each layer, particularly outer layer200, the thickness may be a factor to be considered due to the normal force and the shear force applied when tearing away kiss-cut portions, as will be described later in this disclosure. These are merely examples such that any paper having comparable strength and design can be considered.

Referring toFIG.3, when hang tab assembly100consists of three layers in some embodiments, outer layer200may include a first opening220, inner layer300may include a second opening320, and support layer400may include a third opening420. As shown, first, second and third openings220,320, and420have the same shape to align with each other. These openings allow hang tab assembly100to be hung on, e.g., a wire rack or peg at a retail store. In various embodiments, first, second, and third openings,220,320,420may have a circular shape having a certain diameter at the center and may elongate outwardly with a smaller diameter/width than the center circular shape to fit on different shapes of wire rack or peg, such as a double peg shape or a single peg shape. The shape of the openings can be varied based on the size, weight, or material composition of package10as well as hang tab assembly100.

In some embodiments, outer layer200, inner layer300, and support layer400may have surface areas different from each other. For instance, while lengths of at least portions of each of outer layer200, inner layer300, and support layer400in a longitudinal direction (e.g., x-direction inFIG.3) may be equivalent, a length of each layer in a transverse direction (e.g., y-direction inFIG.3), which is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, may be different from each other. Outer layer200may have the longest length in the transverse direction and support layer400may have the shortest length in the same direction. In this way, support layer400having the smallest surface area can be securely sandwiched between outer layer200and inner layer300.

In addition, the thickness of each layer (i.e., outer layer200, inner layer300, and support layer400) may be the same or different from each other, based on the type of papers, as described above, used for each layer.

Hang tab assembly100may further include a double-sided adhesive700(“third double-sided adhesive700”) for affixing support layer400to outer layer200. Double-sided adhesive or third adhesive700may have a shape corresponding to support layer400to be entirely attached thereto. Hang tab assembly100may further include a double-sided adhesive800(“fourth double-sided adhesive800”) for affixing support layer400to the inner layer300. Similar to adhesive700, double-sided adhesive or fourth adhesive800may have a shape corresponding to support layer400to be entirely attached thereto. Double-sided adhesives700,800also include openings that correspond to first, second, and third openings220,320, and420to allow a package10to which hang tab assembly100is affixed to be hung as described above. In some embodiments (e.g., embodiments omitting support layer400), outer layer200and inner layer300may be directly affixed to each other (e.g., using a double-sided adhesive such as third adhesive700or fourth adhesive800). Adhesives described herein may be, for example, a pressure-sensitive adhesive, a double-sided adhesive tape, or glue. In some embodiments, the adhesives may be transparent to minimize interference with the aesthetic of package10.

The above-described configuration can provide durability to hang tab assembly100when assembled and in use for hanging a package10. In addition, hang tab assembly100according to some embodiments can provide a tamper-evident seal function alerting a potential buyer (or retail clerk or any other person) that the package having hang tab assembly100has been opened or not by leaving an overt visual indication that a seal of hang tab assembly100has been opened as will be described in further detail below.

In some embodiments, outer layer200of hang tab assembly100can provide the tamper-evident seal function. For example, outer layer200may be a unitary body composed of two panels having different shapes. Outer layer200of hang tab assembly100may include a hanging panel240in which first opening220is defined (e.g., at its center), and may include a tear-away panel260that extends integrally from the hanging panel240in the y-direction as one single integrally formed panel. As shown inFIG.3, hanging panel240may have a length in the transverse direction (e.g., y-direction) greater than that of tear-away panel260, and tear-away panel260may have a length in the longitudinal direction (e.g., x-direction) greater than that of hanging panel240. The length of tear-away panel260in the longitudinal direction may be longer due to one or more grip portions260A which will be described in detail later in this disclosure.

In some embodiments, support layer400and third and fourth adhesives700and800may have the same surface area. Outer layer200, particularly hanging panel240, may have a surface area greater than those of support layer400and third and fourth adhesives700and800, but smaller than that of inner layer300. Put another way, hanging panel240may have a greater length in the transverse direction than that of support layer400and a lesser length in the transverse direction than that of inner layer300.

FIGS.4A,4B,5A, and5Billustrate layers of hang tab assembly100in various states of assembly. For instance,FIG.4Ais a view from a lower surface30(e.g., the lower surface being adhered to package10) of hang tab assembly100showing inner layer300, andFIG.4Bis a view from an upper surface (e.g., the upper surface not being adhered to package10) of hang tab assembly100showing outer layer200.

FIG.4Afurther shows double-sided adhesives500and600(“first and second adhesives500,600) attached to a portion of tear-away panel260and a portion of inner layer300, respectively. More specifically, first adhesive500is attached to an edge portion of tear-away panel260spaced away from hanging panel240, and second adhesive600is attached to an edge portion of inner layer300spaced away from second opening320.

In addition, first and second adhesives500,600may be prepared on first and second removable protective liners520and620, respectively, as shown inFIG.3, to be detachably attached to tear-away panel260and inner layer300.FIGS.5A and5Billustrate respective views ofFIGS.4A and4Bwith first and second removable protective liners520and620thereon. In some embodiments, hang tab assembly100can be provided with first and second removable protective liners520and620before affixing to a package or an item for sale. In some embodiments, first and second adhesives500,600can be covered by respective removable protective liners520and620, to protect the adhesive from adhering to anything before intended.

Release liners described herein may be formed of, for example, plastic or paper, and may be thinner and more flexible than hang tab assembly100, more specifically, outer layer200, inner layer300, and support layer400. A user can easily remove removable protective liner620to expose second adhesive600and then remove removable protective liner520to expose first adhesive500in order when affixing hang tab assembly100to a package, which will be described later.

In some embodiments, hang tab assembly100has functions of securely hanging a package and providing a tamper-evident seal as mentioned above. The hanging function can be achieved by the openings of each layer of hang tab assembly100, the overall thickness and the weight of hang tab assembly100, and the way in which hang tab assembly100is affixed to a package. The tamper-evident seal function may be achieved by outer layer200having a plurality of “kiss-cuts” formed thereon in combination with the manner and structure by which hang tab assembly100is affixed to the package.

For example, referring toFIGS.2,6A and6B, hanging panel240and tear-away panel260of outer layer200may be formed of a unitary paper body or panel and may be defined or partially separated by a shallow cut line or a kiss-cut path280A extending in the longitudinal direction on outer layer100at an upper surface20. The “kiss-cut” path is a cut made partially or halfway through outer layer200(e.g., in the z-direction, seeFIG.3) allowing a portion of tear-away panel260to be torn away, while another portion of tear-away panel260remains affixed to a package10, when a user is removing tear-away panel260to open package10.

As shown in the drawings, the “kiss-cuts” described herein may be formed on outer layer200to provide a user-friendly mechanism for opening the package while also providing a tamper-evident seal that maintains sufficient structure for hanging. The term “kiss-cut” or kiss cutting is a form of cut (e.g., formed by die cutting or scoring) where the cut cuts partially through the material, but not entirely through the material such that the depth of cut is less than the thickness of the material and terminates inside the substance of the material (e.g. a cut having a depth roughly half of the thickness of the material). In this way, a kiss-cut can allow the paper material of, e.g., outer layer200, to retain a high degree of strength in a direction parallel to its paper surfaces through the portion that is not cut through by the kiss cut, while allowing the paper material to more easily separate in a controlled manner when a force is applied in a perpendicular (normal) direction.

As mentioned, in some embodiments outer layer200, formed of paper, includes kiss cuts to effect its functions of sealing, supporting, opening, and providing tamper-evidence relative to a package to which it is affixed. For example,FIGS.7A-7Cshow a schematic section view of a portion of outer layer200.

Assuming that outer layer200shown inFIGS.7A-7Cis affixed to a package (e.g., package10) as assembled, outer layer200may be formed with three or more kiss-cuts. That is, outer layer200may have one first kiss-cut path280A on an upper surface20and two kiss-cut paths280B,280C on lower surface30that is opposite to upper surface20in the z-direction (seeFIGS.2,3,4A,4B,6A, and7A; inFIGS.3and4B, and throughout the drawings, kiss-cut paths280B,280C are represented by broken phantom lines because they are on the far side of the panel in those views, though kiss-cut paths280B,280C are continuous, like kiss-cut path280A).

In some embodiments, outer layer200may include two first kiss-cut paths280A on upper surface20and two kiss-cut paths280B,280C (“second and third kiss-cut paths280B,280C”) on lower surface30. For instance, portion “D” inFIGS.7A-7Cin some embodiments may be an additional or optional portion such that portion D can be omitted, or separated by a kiss-cut on upper surface20. In other words, the number of “kiss-cuts” can be varied as necessary, but not limited to three kiss-cuts but can be two kiss-cuts, four kiss-cuts or more.

Outer layer200may further include first adhesive500on a portion of lower surface30thereof. As tear-away panel260is pulled, this applies a force to outer layer200at the kiss-cuts by an upward (e.g., in the z-direction, seeFIGS.3and7B) pulling force. This causes outer layer200and tear-away panel260to be separated or divided into three sections (A, B, and C; or A and D as combined, B, and C) as shown inFIGS.7B and7C. Tear-away panel260is likewise separated into three portions: tear-away portion262, and tamper evident portions264(280F and280G).

The tears are formed within the paper material of outer layer200, extending in a direction parallel to the surfaces of outer layer200between interior ends of adjacent kiss-cut paths that are on opposing sides of outer layer200(e.g., between kiss cut paths280A and280B) or between a kiss cut path and an outer edge of tear-away panel260, thereby exposing an interior of the paper forming outer layer200between kiss-cut paths. The exposed interior provides visibly unfinished, rough, or fuzzy exposed surfaces900at peripheral portions280D and280E of tear-away portion262and at tamper-evident portions280F and280G. Because tamper-evident portions280F and280G remain affixed to package10, the exposed interior of the paper at these portions provides a visible indication that the package has been unsealed.

Each of peripheral portions280D,280E and tamper-evident portions280F,280G have a partial (e.g., half) thickness of outer layer200before pulled away, while a center portion280H is entirely torn away with peripheral portions280D and280E maintaining the full thickness of outer layer200.

Here, the thicknesses after being pulled away at the kiss-cuts may depend on the depth of each kiss-cut. Such that if the first kiss-cut path or paths (e.g.,280A) are cut more than halfway through the paper, peripheral portions (e.g.,280D,280E) may have thickness corresponding to the depth of the first kiss-cut path or paths. Similarly, if second and third kiss-cut paths (e.g.,280B,280C) are cut into more than halfway through the paper, tamper-evident portions (e.g.,280F,280G) may have thickness corresponding to the depth of the second and third kiss-cut paths.

After the tearing away is completed, portion “A” (or portions “A” and “D”) which have adhesive500on lower surface30remain affixed to package10while portion “B” can be separated from the package, thus unsealing the package while providing clear indication that the package has been opened. More specifically, portion “A” (or portions “A” and “D”) can be affixed to a side surface of package10and portion “C” can be partially affixed (e.g., indirectly through other structure of hang tab assembly) to an opening top (e.g., tuck flap) of package10, while portion “B” can be entirely separated from package10. Exposed surfaces900at the separation portions may have irregular shapes and sizes, which can vary based on the material composition. As shown, outer layer200is separated into three portions creating a space between “A” and C”, corresponding to the length of center portion280H in the y-direction, due to center portion280H defined by second and third kiss-cut paths280B,280C.

In addition, distances between each kiss-cut path, particularly between adjacent kiss-cut paths on opposing sides of their respective panel that are intended to create tears (e.g., first kiss-cut path280A and second kiss-cut path280B), is a factor for allowing the subtle and ideal internal separation (e.g., lateral tearing) of outer layer200as shown in the drawings for providing a tamper-evident effect while allowing easy opening of the seal. The kiss cuts operate in pairs, each kiss-cut offset from a kiss cut (or a through cut/edge) on the other side of outer layer200. As described above, the kiss-cuts terminate within the material of outer layer200, such that their terminal ends are buried within the material. As a normal force is applied to material at one side of the paired kiss cuts, the material of outer layer200will fail creating a tear between the buried ends of the kiss cuts (see, e.g.,FIGS.2,6A, and7B), thereby effecting the separation of portions of outer layer200to allow its associated packaging10to be opened, and providing lateral tear surfaces900that provide visual evidence of tampering and that cannot be repaired.

As will be described below, the distance between each kiss-cut path may be between 1 mm to 6 mm, particularly, the distance between first kiss-cut path280A and second kiss-cut path280B may be between in a range of, e.g., 2 mm-6 mm, while the distance between second kiss-cut path280B and third kiss-cut path280C may be in a range of, e.g., 1 mm-4 mm (e.g., 1 mm-2 mm.

Referring toFIGS.2,6A and6B, in some embodiments, outer layer200may have kiss-cutting applied thereon to form first kiss-cut path280A on upper surface20of outer layer200between hanging panel240and tear-away panel260. Tear-away panel260can further include one or more second kiss-cut paths280B,280C on lower surface30that is opposite to first kiss-cut path280A. First and second kiss-cut paths280A and280B may extend parallel to each other on the opposite sides of hang tab assembly100. In some embodiments, second and third kiss-cut paths280B,280C can form full-thickness center portion280H bounded by two kiss-cut paths280B,280C. As will be described in more detail, center portion280H is not directly affixed to a package10to which hang tab assembly100is attached, but can be completely removed to separate outer layer200into two portions not only vertically but also laterally.

In some embodiments, second and third kiss-cut paths280B,280C may be offset from first kiss-cut path280A in the y-direction to allow the tearing of outer layer200into two portions. As described above, the distance between first kiss-cut path280A and second kiss-cut path280B in the y-direction may be between, e.g., 2 mm and 6 mm, or more preferably 4 mm, to allow the normal force and shearing force to tear outer layer200into two layers by a user's manipulation. Similarly, the distance between second kiss-cut path280B and third kiss-cut path280C in the y-direction may be between, e.g., 1 mm and 4 mm, or more preferably 2.5 mm.

In addition, hang tab assembly100may include one or more grip portions260A at an end of tear-away panel260in the longitudinal direction for a user to grip and pull away tear-away panel260. Due to first, second, and third kiss-cut paths280A,280B,280C, portions of tear-away panel260can be laterally torn into two layers by a pulling force as shown inFIG.2(see alsoFIG.7B) exposing internal exposed surfaces900thereon. Hang tab assembly100in some embodiments may have only one grip portion260A at one end or may have two grip portions260A to tear from either direction per user's preference (e.g., left to right or right to left). When one or more grip portions260A are provided, second and third kiss-cut paths280B,280C can respectively curve outwards and extend to first kiss-cut path280A and outer edge of tear-away panel260, respectively, forming a first grip portion kiss-cut path280B-1and a second grip portion kiss-cut path280C-1at each grip portion260A.

For instance, with reference toFIGS.2and7B, when a user grip one of the grip portions260A and pulls in one direction, a tear-away portion262of tear-away panel260may be torn away and separated from hanging panel240between first kiss-cut path280A and second kiss-cut path280B. Simultaneously, tear-away panel260can be further separated between third kiss-cut path280C and an edge of tear-away panel260. That is, as tear-away panel260is torn away by pulling grip portion260A, tear-away panel260is torn apart exposing inside layers while a full-thickness portion280H of tear-away portion262can be entirely torn away due to second and third kiss-cut paths280B,280C and first adhesive500fixing a non-tom away portion of tear-away panel260(e.g., tamper-evident portion280F) to package10. In some embodiments, when the grip portion260A is pulled, first and second grip portion kiss-cut paths280B-1,280C-1allow the grip portion260A to more easily separate and initiate the tearing of the tear-away panel260.

As shown, tear-away panel260is firstly separated into two partial layers in the z-direction by exposing peripheral portions280D and280E having exposed surfaces900as partial thickness tom away portions of tear-away panel260and tamper-evident portions280F and280G as partial-thickness non-torn away portions of tear-away panel260, respectively facing torn-away peripheral portions280D and280E. Center portion280H, together with peripheral portions280D and280E may form a T-shape cross section (seeFIGS.7B,7C).

In some embodiments, a lower surface of remaining-on tamper-evident portion280F (e.g., lower surface30of tear-away panel260) can be securely attached to package or item10to which hang tab assembly100is affixed by first adhesive500. On the other hand, remaining-on tamper-evident portion280G is not directly attached or adhered to the same panel of package10(though may be indirectly adhered to another portion of package10that is movable with respect to the portion to which tamper-evident portion280G is adhered, as explained elsewhere herein), thus allowing opening of package10when the torn-away layer of the tear-away panel260is completely removed.

As described above, the kiss-cut paths formed on tear-away panel260can create separation within tear-away panel260, thus providing clear visual evidence that an adhered package10has been opened or otherwise tampered with when tear-away panel260is disturbed via unsealing (e.g., surfaces on remaining-on portions280F and280G being exposed as shownFIG.2) when it is torn open by removing teat-away portion262. A person can easily recognize whether a package has been opened or there has been an attempt to open the package, and it will be impossible to seal back to the original condition.

FIG.8illustrates hang tab assembly100affixed to package10in a use configuration, according to some embodiments.FIG.8is schematic illustrations, and thicknesses and sizes shown are exaggerated for clarify, of description. In this use configuration, first adhesive500of outer layer200may be affixed to an exterior surface12aof a package side wall12of package10, and inner layer300may be affixed to tuck flap14aof a package top14of package10. When so affixed, relative movement of outer layer200and inner layer300may be limited, and may in turn limit relative movement of package top14and package side wall12, thereby preventing opening of package top14to safely keep package10in a sealed configuration.

When in the use configuration sealing package10, openings (e.g., the first, second and third openings220,320, and420and openings of first and second adhesives500and600) of hang tab assembly100may be positioned over a display hook or other support to hang tab assembly100(and package10) therefrom. In this way, package10can be displayed (e.g., for purchase in a retail environment) while remaining sealed to protect its contents from tampering. Further, since tuck flap14amay be inserted within package side wall12in the use configuration, it can be hidden from view. In other words, hang tab assembly100in some embodiments may not be attached to a top surface of package10(e.g., an upper surface14b), thereby minimizing the visual effect of hang tab assembly100on package10. In other embodiments, hang tab assembly100may be further affixed to top surface of package10to provide further stability and improved adherence.

In some embodiments, support layer400is entirely adhered between outer layer200and inner layer300by adhesives (e.g., third and fourth adhesives700,800). Support layer400may have a thickness that is substantially equal to that of side wall12(e.g., as shown inFIG.8). This spacing formed between outer layer200and inner layer300can improve the sturdiness and durability of hang tab assembly100when affixed to package10in a vertical position by adhering only portions of outer layer200and inner layer300to package10(e.g., portions at first and second adhesives500,600) without straining on other layers (e.g., outer layer200, inner layer300) to accommodate the thickness of wall12.

FIG.9is a flow chart showing an application of hang tab assembly100, andFIGS.10A and10Billustrate affixing hang tab assembly100to a package10for use, by adhering to tuck flap14aand then adhering to side wall12of package10. To use hang tab assembly100, person may, for example, place package10into fixture to hold package10securely in place at step S1. However, the use of fixture in this step may be an option per the user's preference or availability. Then, the person or user can place a locate fixture at step S2, wherein the locate fixture has a shape that corresponds to outer layer200. Similar to step S1, step S2of using the locate fixture can be optional.

Once the location of hang tab assembly100is determined, the user can tear or peel off second removable protective liner620to expose second adhesive800at step S3. The person may align and affix hang tab assembly100to tuck flap14aof package top14using second adhesive600at step S4(seeFIG.10A), and remove locate fixture at step S5if locate fixture is used. That is, inner layer300is firstly attached to tuck flap14aof package10. Then, the person can apply a certain pressure or more by using, e.g., a silicone gel roller or the like, to secure the affixation of hang tab assembly100to package10at step S6.

Once hang tab assembly100, more specifically, inner layer300, is affixed to package10, the fixture used in step S1can be removed and a sled, which can keep package10in shape, can be placed into package10as optional at step S7, and package10can be closed by tucking in tuck flap14ainside (e.g., inner side of tuck flap14a) package10while leaving outer layer200out at step S8. At step S7, an item to be packaged can be inserted in package10with the sled before closing package10(such item could be inserted at any other time before package10is sealed). Then, package10can be optionally placed back into the fixture used in step S1at step S9. The person can tear off first removable protective liner520to expose third adhesive700attached on tear-away panel260of outer layer200as shown in step S10(seeFIG.10B), and finally press down such that a portion (a portion between an outer edge and third kiss-cut path280C) of tear-away panel260as described above to package side wall12of package10to securely seal package10. The hang tab according to various embodiments is now securely attached to the package and ready for use.

In addition,FIG.1illustrates grip portion260A being directed to tear from the left to right (i.e., in the x-direction ofFIG.3); however, this is not limited thereto such that the indicia (e.g., arrow mark40) can be on the other grip portion or on both grip portions260A. In some embodiments, hang tab assembly100may have only one grip portion260A as noted above, or two grip portions260A at both sides with one arrow mark40on one of two grip portions260A or arrow mark40on each grip portion260A. Hang tab assembly100may be affixed to a package that can fit on different shapes of wire rack, such as a double peg shape and a single peg shape.

To un-seal package10, a person may grasp any one of grip portions260A as a part of tear-away panel260and pull from the left to right or right to left with sufficient force to cause tear-away panel260to break into two layers to tear away at kiss-cut paths, as described above and shown, e.g., inFIG.2, while keeping a portion of tear-away panel260attached on package10(e.g., remaining-on tamper-evident portion280F). Then, a person may pull upward on hanging panel240to open package10leaving exposed surfaces900on remaining-on tamper-evident portions280F and280G as well as torn-away peripheral portions280D,280E as evidence of the unsealing of tear-away panel260.

In some embodiments, any surface finishing may take place after the components are cut from the blank, or alternatively prior to the blank being cut into separate sheets for assembling to a final product. Additionally, some operations may be performed concurrently. All or some of the surfaces of the packaging may be coated, or laminated, which may increase structural strength properties such as rigidity, which may protect a product within the packaging, or avoid scratching, and which may further improve the surface properties toward preferred haptics or optics.

The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not target to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

It is well understood that the use of personally identifiable information should follow privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining the privacy of users. In particular, personally identifiable information data should be managed and handled so as to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized use should be clearly indicated to users.