Patent ID: 8893457

Claim:
A method of making an easy-open and reclosable package in a horizontal form/fill/seal process comprising: a) providing a lay-flat web on a first roll, the lay-flat web having a first and second longitudinal edge, and a die cut; b) providing a discrete tape comprising a base strip comprising a first and second surface, and a first and second side edge, at least a first portion of the first surface coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive; c) advancing the lay-flat web to a forming device to convert the lay-flat web to a folded web having an interior surface; d) advancing the discrete tape such that when the package is made, the discrete tape is disposed between a first and second side panel of the package, the pressure sensitive adhesive is adhered directly to an inner surface of the first side panel, and the second surface of the base strip is anchored to an inner surface of the second side panel; e) making side seals in the folded web to produce an open pouch comprising i) the first and second side panels each comprising an outer surface and the inner surface, a first and second side edge, and a first and second end, the first and second side panels joined together along their respective first and second side edges by a seal, ii) a first end defined by the first end of at least one of the first and second side panels, iii) a second end defined by the second ends of the first and second side panels respectively, iv) the first and second side panels joined together along their respective second ends, and v) the discrete tape spaced apart from at least one of the first and second ends of the pouch; f) putting a product in the open pouch; and g) sealing the first end of the first side panel to the second side panel to close the pouch; wherein the die cut is disposed in the first side panel, the die cut defining a primary die cut segment wherein a first portion of the primary die cut segment is underlain by the pressure sensitive adhesive, and a second portion of the primary die cut segment is underlain by a clear area, the primary die cut segment so arranged with respect to the discrete tape that when the primary die cut segment is displaced or removed, at least a portion of the pressure sensitive adhesive is exposed, the primary die cut segment so arranged with respect to the discrete tape that when the package is opened, the package can thereafter be reclosed by adhering the pressure sensitive adhesive to the first side panel; at any time before putting a product in the open pouch, the at least first portion of the first surface of the base strip is adhered, by the pressure sensitive adhesive, to the lay-flat web or the folded web; at any time during the method of making the package, anchoring the second surface of the base strip to the lay-flat web, the interior surface of the folded web, or the inner surface of the second side panel; and the web is cut at the side seals during the step of making side seals in the folded web, or before, during or after any subsequent steps.