Patent ID: 8684217

Claim:
An easy-open reusable packaging container comprising: a rigid or semi-rigid tray comprising a bottom and at least one side wall which forms at least one recessed product-receiving compartment, and a flange extending around said tray which forms distal edges of said container; a lidding film affixed to said flange which forms a peelable/resealable heat-seal extending around said product-receiving compartment and said distal edges of said container; and an easy-open member positioned between said product-receiving compartment and said distal edges of said container, and comprising: a frangible portion of said lidding film which forms a tab member when punctured to provide a means for removing said lidding film from said flange and gaining access to said product-receiving compartment; wherein said easy-open member further comprises a first line of weakness in said frangible portion of said lidding film extending from a first distal edge of said container to a point of intersection with a second line of weakness in said frangible portion of said lidding film extending from an adjacent second distal edge of said container to said point of intersection with said first line of weakness thereby forming a first portion of said lidding film which remains affixed to said package and a second portion of said lidding film which is removable from one distal edge to an opposing second distal edge of said container without further tearing of said lidding film other than tearing that occurs along the first and second lines of weakness.