PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-12214943-B2
Application Number: US-202217895790-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Packaging hang tab assembly

Abstract:
A hang tab assembly includes a paper outer layer and inner layer. The outer layer may include a hanging panel, a tear-away panel adjacent to the hanging panel, a first kiss-cut path on an upper surface of the outer layer, and a second kiss-cut path on a lower surface of the tear-away panel, the second kiss-cut path offset from the first. The assembly may include a first adhesive disposed on the lower surface of the tear-away panel, and a second adhesive disposed on a lower surface of the inner layer facing away from the outer layer. The outer layer may include a tear-away portion that tears transversely between offset kiss-cut paths to unseal a sealed package and expose internal paper material to provide visual indication that the package has been unsealed.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A hang tab assembly for sealing and hanging a package, the assembly comprising:
 a paper outer layer comprising:
 a hanging panel including a first opening; 
 a tear-away panel adjacent to the hanging panel; 
 a first kiss-cut path extending in a longitudinal direction along a boundary between the hanging panel and the tear-away panel on an upper surface of the outer layer; and 
 a second kiss-cut path extending in the longitudinal direction on a lower surface of the tear-away panel, wherein the second kiss-cut path is offset from the first kiss-cut path in a transverse direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction; 
 
 a paper inner layer having a second opening corresponding to the first opening, the inner layer coupled to the outer layer; 
 a first adhesive disposed on the lower surface of the tear-away panel entirely to one side of the second-kiss-cut path; and 
 a second adhesive disposed on a lower surface of the inner layer facing away from the upper surface of the outer layer. 
 
     
     
       2. A hang-tab package-sealing system, the system comprising:
 the hang tab sealing assembly of  claim 1 ; 
 a package movable between an open and a closed configuration, the package comprising a tuck flap and a side wall, wherein the tuck flap and the side wall are parallel to each other when the package is in the closed configuration, 
 wherein the inner layer is affixed to the tuck flap and disposed between the tuck flap and the package side wall when the package is in the closed configuration, and 
 wherein the package is sealed in the closed configuration by the first adhesive adhering a portion of the tear-away panel to an outer surface of the package side wall and the second adhesive adhering a portion of the inner layer to the tuck flap. 
 
     
     
       3. The system of  claim 2 , wherein the tear-away panel is configured to be partially torn away to unseal the package,
 wherein when the tear-away panel is torn away, the tear-away panel is configured to separate into: 
 a tear-away portion that separates from the package side wall, the tear-away portion comprising:
 a full-thickness portion disposed between the second kiss-cut path and a third kiss-cut path spaced apart from the second kiss-cut path and extending in the longitudinal direction on the lower surface of the tear-away panel; and 
 a first partial-thickness portion disposed between the first kiss-cut path and the second kiss-cut path; and 
 
 a tamper-evident portion that remains adhered to the package side wall, the tamper-evident portion comprising a second partial-thickness portion disposed between the first kiss-cut path and the second kiss-cut path. 
 
     
     
       4. The system of  claim 3 , wherein when the tear-away panel is torn away:
 the tear-away portion separates from the tamper-evident portion by creating a tear between the first kiss-cut path and the second kiss cut path, which exposes an interior of the paper forming the outer layer between the first kiss-cut path and the second kiss-cut path; and 
 the hang tab sealing assembly separates into an upper portion and a lower portion, unsealing the package. 
 
     
     
       5. The system of  claim 4 , wherein the exposed interior of the paper provides a visible indication that the package has been unsealed. 
     
     
       6. The system of  claim 2 , wherein hang tab sealing assembly further comprises:
 a support layer entirely adhered between the outer layer and the inner layer, wherein the support layer has a third opening corresponding to the first and second openings, 
 wherein the support layer has a thickness at least equal to that of package side wall. 
 
     
     
       7. The assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a third kiss-cut path extending on the lower surface of the tear-away panel parallel to the second kiss-cut path,
 wherein the third kiss-cut path is offset from the second kiss-cut path in the transverse direction away from the first kiss-cut path, and the first adhesive is entirely disposed between the third kiss-cut path and an edge of the tear-away panel. 
 
     
     
       8. The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second kiss-cut paths are offset in the transverse direction by a distance within a range from 2 mm to 6 mm. 
     
     
       9. The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the tear-away panel comprises:
 a tear-away portion comprising a center portion extending at a center of the tear-away panel in the longitudinal direction bounded by the second kiss-cut path and a third kiss-cut path on the lower surface of the tear-away panel, wherein the center portion is configured to be entirely torn away when a user tears the tear-away portion away; and 
 a tamper-evident portion extending in the longitudinal direction adjacent to the tear-away portion at each outer side of the center portion, wherein the tamper-evident portion is configured to separate from the remainder of the tear-away panel when the user tears the tearaway portion away, the separation occurring in the transverse direction between the first and second kiss-cut paths, and between the third kiss-cut path and an edge of the tear-away panel. 
 
     
     
       10. The assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the tear-away portion further comprises peripheral portions disposed adjacent to the center portion, the peripheral portions configured to separate from the tamper-evident portions when the tear-away portion is torn away. 
     
     
       11. The assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the tear-away panel comprises at least one grip portion integrally disposed at an end in the longitudinal direction, wherein the at least one grip portion is configured to be torn away with the tear-away portion in an integrated manner, and
 wherein the tear-away panel having the at least one grip portion has a length in the longitudinal direction greater than that of the hanging panel. 
 
     
     
       12. The assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a paper support layer adhered between the outer layer and the inner layer, wherein the support layer has a third opening corresponding to the first and second openings. 
 
     
     
       13. The assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a first removable protective liner detachably arranged to cover the first adhesive; and 
 a second removable protective liner detachably arranged to cover the second adhesive. 
 
     
     
       14. The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the hanging and tear-away panels of the outer layer are integrally formed of a single layer of paper. 
     
     
       15. The assembly of  claim 14 , wherein the single layer of paper is a multi-ply paper. 
     
     
       16. An apparatus for sealing a package, the apparatus comprising:
 a first panel formed of paper; 
 a second panel formed of paper and extending from the first panel in a first direction in an integrated manner, wherein the second panel comprises at least one grip portion extending outward in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; 
 a primary kiss-cut path extending along a boundary between the first panel and the second panel at a first surface of the second panel and the first panel; and 
 a pair of secondary kiss-cut paths extending on the second panel parallel to the primary kiss-cut path on a second surface of the second panel opposite the first surface, 
 wherein the pair of secondary kiss-cut paths is offset from the primary kiss-cut path in the first direction. 
 
     
     
       17. The apparatus of  claim 16 , further comprising:
 a first adhesive disposed on the second surface of the second panel, 
 wherein the pair of secondary kiss-cut paths comprises a first secondary kiss-cut path and a second secondary kiss-cut path that is spaced apart from the first secondary kiss-cut path toward an outer edge of the second panel, and 
 wherein the first adhesive is arranged entirely between the second secondary kiss-cut path and the outer edge of the second panel. 
 
     
     
       18. The apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the second surface of the second panel comprises:
 a first portion between the primary kiss-cut path and the pair of secondary kiss-cut paths; 
 a second portion between the kiss-cut paths of the pair of secondary kiss-cut paths; and 
 a third portion arranged between pair of secondary kiss-cut paths and an outer edge of the second panel, 
 wherein a first adhesive is disposed on the third portion, and no adhesive is disposed on the first and second portions of the second panel. 
 
     
     
       19. The apparatus of  claim 18 , further comprising:
 a third panel formed of paper and attached to the first panel; and 
 a second adhesive disposed on a surface of the third panel overlapping and facing the same direction as the second surface of the first panel. 
 
     
     
       20. The apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the primary kiss-cut path extends entirely across the first panel, and
 wherein the secondary kiss-cut paths do not extend entirely across the second panel.

Description:
FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to a hang tab device, and more specifically, to a paper hang tab device for affixation to a package to hang and display the package with a tamper-evident seal. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Retail stores and other establishments often include displays, racks, and other equipment for displaying items to customers. These items may be displayed for a variety of reasons, such as, for example, being offered for sale, presented for their aesthetic characteristics or to advertise various models, presented as memorabilia or collectibles, for other reasons, or for a combination of such reasons. In some cases, such displayed items are packages (e.g., boxes), or are contained within packages. It may be desired to hang a package for display, and to maintain the package in a closed configuration. It may also be desired to facilitate opening of the package by a user, and to present visible indication that the package has been opened or has remained in an unopened state. 
     Accordingly, various items to be sold and/or displayed at retail stores may be provided in packages with a hanging feature such as a hang tab for hanging and displaying the packages. The hang tabs may have an opening or slot through which, e.g., a wire rack or peg may be inserted to thereby hang the package, and can be adhered to the box or package thereby hanging from the wire rack. The hang tab may further provide a tamper-evident seal by sealing the package through, e.g., an adhesive, such that a customer may confirm that the package is in a new condition, and has not been previously opened, when the hang tab seal remains unbroken and undamaged. Such hang tabs may be made of plastic material such as PVC, PP, PS, PE or PET. Some may be made of transparent polyester resin that does not obscure the package the tab is adhered to. 
     Structural and environmental considerations may also play a role in designing a package and a hang tab used for the package. What is needed is a hanging device for a package that can hold and hang the package and maintain the integrity of the package prior to being received by an end user and that can indicate prior opening of the package, but be easily removable and increase recyclability of the packaging, while providing robustness, eco-friendly materials, secure closure mechanisms with intuitive user experiences, and aesthetic elements. 
     SUMMARY 
     Apparatuses and systems for hanging a package with technical benefits are provided. Some embodiments are directed to a hang-tab package-sealing system including a hang-tab sealing assembly and a package. The hang-tab sealing assembly includes a paper outer layer and a paper inner layer. The paper outer layer includes a hanging panel including a first opening, a tear-away panel adjacent to and integral with the hanging panel, a first kiss-cut path extending in a longitudinal direction along a boundary between the hanging panel and the tear-away panel on one surface of the outer layer, and a pair of second kiss-cut paths spaced apart from each other and extending on the tear-away panel in the longitudinal direction at another surface of the outer layer. The second kiss-cut paths are offset from the first kiss-cut path. The paper inner layer includes a second opening that corresponds to the first opening. The package is movable between an open and a closed configuration and includes a tuck flap and a side wall. The tuck flap and the side wall are parallel to each other when the package is in the closed configuration. The inner layer is affixed to the tuck flap and disposed between the tuck flap and the package side wall when the package is in the closed configuration. The package is sealed in the closed configuration by a first adhesive adhering a portion of the tear-away panel to an outer surface of the package side wall and a second adhesive adhering a portion of the inner layer to the tuck flap. 
     Some embodiments are directed to a hang tab assembly for sealing and hanging a package. The assembly includes a paper outer layer and a paper inner layer. The paper outer layer includes a hanging panel including a first opening, a tear-away panel adjacent to the hanging panel, a first kiss-cut path extending in a longitudinal direction along a boundary between the hanging panel and the tear-away panel on an upper surface of the outer layer, and a second kiss-cut path extending in the longitudinal direction on a lower surface of the tear-away panel. The second kiss-cut path is offset from the first kiss-cut path in a transverse direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. The paper inner layer includes a second opening corresponding to the first opening, and is coupled to the outer layer. The assembly may also include a first adhesive disposed on the lower surface of the tear-away panel entirely to one side of the second-kiss-cut path, and a second adhesive disposed on a lower surface of the inner layer facing away from the upper surface of the outer layer. 
     Some embodiments are directed to an apparatus for sealing a package. The apparatus includes a first panel formed of paper, a second panel formed of paper and extending from the first panel in a first direction in an integrated manner where the second panel includes at least one grip portion extending outward in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, a primary kiss-cut path extending along a boundary between the first panel and the second panel at a first surface of the second panel and the first panel, and a pair of secondary kiss-cut paths extending on the second panel parallel to the primary kiss-cut path on a second surface of the second panel opposite the first surface, where the pair of secondary kiss-cut paths is offset from the primary kiss-cut path in the first direction. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a package having a hang tab assembly affixed thereto, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  2    illustrates the hang tab assembly affixed to a package for use, while the hang tab assembly is partially unsealed at kiss-cuts, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  3    illustrates an exploded view of the hang tab assembly according to some embodiments. 
         FIGS.  4 A and  4 B  illustrate the hang tab assembly according to some embodiments as assembled without protective liners. 
         FIGS.  5 A and  5 B  illustrate the hang tab assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure as assembled with protective liners. 
         FIGS.  6 A and  6 B  illustrate a manner of unsealing by tearing along kiss-cuts of the hang tab assembly, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS.  7 A- 7 C  illustrate a schematic sectional view showing an example of a paper having kiss-cut opening structures and an opening operation tearing at the kiss-cuts. 
         FIG.  8    illustrates a sectional schematic view of the hang tab assembly having kiss-cuts formed thereon coupled to a package, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  9    is a flow chart illustrating a process of affixing the hang tab assembly to a package, according to some embodiments. 
         FIGS.  10 A and  10 B  illustrate affixing the hang tab assembly to a package for use, by adhering to a tuck flap and then adhering to a side wall of the package, according to some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     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 to  FIGS.  1 - 10 B . 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.  1    illustrates a hang tab assembly  100  affixed to a package  10 , according to some embodiments, and  FIG.  2    illustrates hang tab assembly  100  affixed to package  10  in use, while the kiss-cut seal is partially unsealed.  FIG.  3    illustrates exploded views of hang tab assembly  100 , and  FIGS.  4 A,  4 B,  5 A,  5 B,  6 A and  6 B  illustrate hang tab assembly  100  in various states of assembly. 
     In some embodiments, hang tab assembly  100  can be used to display an item, such as a package  10  or an item contained therein. In some embodiments, package  10  may 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 assembly  100  can be affixed. In such embodiments, hang tab assembly  100  may be affixed directly to the item. 
       FIG.  3    shows an exploded view of hang tab assembly  100 . Hang tab assembly  100  may 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 assembly  100  may be one unitary layer or formed of two or more layers. In some embodiments, hang tab assembly  100  may include one layer, that is, an outer layer  200 . In some embodiments, hang tab assembly  100  may include two layers, that is, outer layer  200  and an inner layer  300 , 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&#39;s surfaces) as will be described in more detail below. 
     In some embodiments hang tab assembly  100  may further include a support layer  400  arranged between outer layer  200  and inner layer  300  such that support layer  400  may have one side attached to outer layer  200  and the opposite side attached to inner layer  300 . Support layer  400  may be formed of paper different from or the same as outer layer  200  and inner layer  300 . In selecting the materials for each layer, particularly outer layer  200 , 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 to  FIG.  3   , when hang tab assembly  100  consists of three layers in some embodiments, outer layer  200  may include a first opening  220 , inner layer  300  may include a second opening  320 , and support layer  400  may include a third opening  420 . As shown, first, second and third openings  220 ,  320 , and  420  have the same shape to align with each other. These openings allow hang tab assembly  100  to be hung on, e.g., a wire rack or peg at a retail store. In various embodiments, first, second, and third openings,  220 ,  320 ,  420  may 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 package  10  as well as hang tab assembly  100 . 
     In some embodiments, outer layer  200 , inner layer  300 , and support layer  400  may have surface areas different from each other. For instance, while lengths of at least portions of each of outer layer  200 , inner layer  300 , and support layer  400  in a longitudinal direction (e.g., x-direction in  FIG.  3   ) may be equivalent, a length of each layer in a transverse direction (e.g., y-direction in  FIG.  3   ), which is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, may be different from each other. Outer layer  200  may have the longest length in the transverse direction and support layer  400  may have the shortest length in the same direction. In this way, support layer  400  having the smallest surface area can be securely sandwiched between outer layer  200  and inner layer  300 . 
     In addition, the thickness of each layer (i.e., outer layer  200 , inner layer  300 , and support layer  400 ) may be the same or different from each other, based on the type of papers, as described above, used for each layer. 
     Hang tab assembly  100  may further include a double-sided adhesive  700  (“third double-sided adhesive  700 ”) for affixing support layer  400  to outer layer  200 . Double-sided adhesive or third adhesive  700  may have a shape corresponding to support layer  400  to be entirely attached thereto. Hang tab assembly  100  may further include a double-sided adhesive  800  (“fourth double-sided adhesive  800 ”) for affixing support layer  400  to the inner layer  300 . Similar to adhesive  700 , double-sided adhesive or fourth adhesive  800  may have a shape corresponding to support layer  400  to be entirely attached thereto. Double-sided adhesives  700 ,  800  also include openings that correspond to first, second, and third openings  220 ,  320 , and  420  to allow a package  10  to which hang tab assembly  100  is affixed to be hung as described above. In some embodiments (e.g., embodiments omitting support layer  400 ), outer layer  200  and inner layer  300  may be directly affixed to each other (e.g., using a double-sided adhesive such as third adhesive  700  or fourth adhesive  800 ). 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 package  10 . 
     The above-described configuration can provide durability to hang tab assembly  100  when assembled and in use for hanging a package  10 . In addition, hang tab assembly  100  according 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 assembly  100  has been opened or not by leaving an overt visual indication that a seal of hang tab assembly  100  has been opened as will be described in further detail below. 
     In some embodiments, outer layer  200  of hang tab assembly  100  can provide the tamper-evident seal function. For example, outer layer  200  may be a unitary body composed of two panels having different shapes. Outer layer  200  of hang tab assembly  100  may include a hanging panel  240  in which first opening  220  is defined (e.g., at its center), and may include a tear-away panel  260  that extends integrally from the hanging panel  240  in the y-direction as one single integrally formed panel. As shown in  FIG.  3   , hanging panel  240  may have a length in the transverse direction (e.g., y-direction) greater than that of tear-away panel  260 , and tear-away panel  260  may have a length in the longitudinal direction (e.g., x-direction) greater than that of hanging panel  240 . The length of tear-away panel  260  in the longitudinal direction may be longer due to one or more grip portions  260 A which will be described in detail later in this disclosure. 
     In some embodiments, support layer  400  and third and fourth adhesives  700  and  800  may have the same surface area. Outer layer  200 , particularly hanging panel  240 , may have a surface area greater than those of support layer  400  and third and fourth adhesives  700  and  800 , but smaller than that of inner layer  300 . Put another way, hanging panel  240  may have a greater length in the transverse direction than that of support layer  400  and a lesser length in the transverse direction than that of inner layer  300 . 
       FIGS.  4 A,  4 B,  5 A, and  5 B  illustrate layers of hang tab assembly  100  in various states of assembly. For instance,  FIG.  4 A  is a view from a lower surface  30  (e.g., the lower surface being adhered to package  10 ) of hang tab assembly  100  showing inner layer  300 , and  FIG.  4 B  is a view from an upper surface (e.g., the upper surface not being adhered to package  10 ) of hang tab assembly  100  showing outer layer  200 . 
       FIG.  4 A  further shows double-sided adhesives  500  and  600  (“first and second adhesives  500 ,  600 ) attached to a portion of tear-away panel  260  and a portion of inner layer  300 , respectively. More specifically, first adhesive  500  is attached to an edge portion of tear-away panel  260  spaced away from hanging panel  240 , and second adhesive  600  is attached to an edge portion of inner layer  300  spaced away from second opening  320 . 
     In addition, first and second adhesives  500 ,  600  may be prepared on first and second removable protective liners  520  and  620 , respectively, as shown in  FIG.  3   , to be detachably attached to tear-away panel  260  and inner layer  300 .  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B  illustrate respective views of  FIGS.  4 A and  4 B  with first and second removable protective liners  520  and  620  thereon. In some embodiments, hang tab assembly  100  can be provided with first and second removable protective liners  520  and  620  before affixing to a package or an item for sale. In some embodiments, first and second adhesives  500 ,  600  can be covered by respective removable protective liners  520  and  620 , 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 assembly  100 , more specifically, outer layer  200 , inner layer  300 , and support layer  400 . A user can easily remove removable protective liner  620  to expose second adhesive  600  and then remove removable protective liner  520  to expose first adhesive  500  in order when affixing hang tab assembly  100  to a package, which will be described later. 
     In some embodiments, hang tab assembly  100  has 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 assembly  100 , the overall thickness and the weight of hang tab assembly  100 , and the way in which hang tab assembly  100  is affixed to a package. The tamper-evident seal function may be achieved by outer layer  200  having a plurality of “kiss-cuts” formed thereon in combination with the manner and structure by which hang tab assembly  100  is affixed to the package. 
     For example, referring to  FIGS.  2 ,  6 A and  6 B , hanging panel  240  and tear-away panel  260  of outer layer  200  may 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 path  280 A extending in the longitudinal direction on outer layer  100  at an upper surface  20 . The “kiss-cut” path is a cut made partially or halfway through outer layer  200  (e.g., in the z-direction, see  FIG.  3   ) allowing a portion of tear-away panel  260  to be torn away, while another portion of tear-away panel  260  remains affixed to a package  10 , when a user is removing tear-away panel  260  to open package  10 . 
     As shown in the drawings, the “kiss-cuts” described herein may be formed on outer layer  200  to 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 layer  200 , 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 layer  200 , 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.  7 A- 7 C  show a schematic section view of a portion of outer layer  200 . 
     Assuming that outer layer  200  shown in  FIGS.  7 A- 7 C  is affixed to a package (e.g., package  10 ) as assembled, outer layer  200  may be formed with three or more kiss-cuts. That is, outer layer  200  may have one first kiss-cut path  280 A on an upper surface  20  and two kiss-cut paths  280 B,  280 C on lower surface  30  that is opposite to upper surface  20  in the z-direction (see  FIGS.  2 ,  3 ,  4 A,  4 B,  6 A, and  7 A ; in  FIGS.  3  and  4 B , and throughout the drawings, kiss-cut paths  280 B,  280 C are represented by broken phantom lines because they are on the far side of the panel in those views, though kiss-cut paths  280 B,  280 C are continuous, like kiss-cut path  280 A). 
     In some embodiments, outer layer  200  may include two first kiss-cut paths  280 A on upper surface  20  and two kiss-cut paths  280 B,  280 C (“second and third kiss-cut paths  280 B,  280 C”) on lower surface  30 . For instance, portion “D” in  FIGS.  7 A- 7 C  in some embodiments may be an additional or optional portion such that portion D can be omitted, or separated by a kiss-cut on upper surface  20 . 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 layer  200  may further include first adhesive  500  on a portion of lower surface  30  thereof. As tear-away panel  260  is pulled, this applies a force to outer layer  200  at the kiss-cuts by an upward (e.g., in the z-direction, see  FIGS.  3  and  7 B ) pulling force. This causes outer layer  200  and tear-away panel  260  to be separated or divided into three sections (A, B, and C; or A and D as combined, B, and C) as shown in  FIGS.  7 B and  7 C . Tear-away panel  260  is likewise separated into three portions: tear-away portion  262 , and tamper evident portions  264  ( 280 F and  280 G). 
     The tears are formed within the paper material of outer layer  200 , extending in a direction parallel to the surfaces of outer layer  200  between interior ends of adjacent kiss-cut paths that are on opposing sides of outer layer  200  (e.g., between kiss cut paths  280 A and  280 B) or between a kiss cut path and an outer edge of tear-away panel  260 , thereby exposing an interior of the paper forming outer layer  200  between kiss-cut paths. The exposed interior provides visibly unfinished, rough, or fuzzy exposed surfaces  900  at peripheral portions  280 D and  280 E of tear-away portion  262  and at tamper-evident portions  280 F and  280 G. Because tamper-evident portions  280 F and  280 G remain affixed to package  10 , the exposed interior of the paper at these portions provides a visible indication that the package has been unsealed. 
     Each of peripheral portions  280 D,  280 E and tamper-evident portions  280 F,  280 G have a partial (e.g., half) thickness of outer layer  200  before pulled away, while a center portion  280 H is entirely torn away with peripheral portions  280 D and  280 E maintaining the full thickness of outer layer  200 . 
     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.,  280 A) are cut more than halfway through the paper, peripheral portions (e.g.,  280 D,  280 E) 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.,  280 B,  280 C) are cut into more than halfway through the paper, tamper-evident portions (e.g.,  280 F,  280 G) 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 adhesive  500  on lower surface  30  remain affixed to package  10  while 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 package  10  and 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 package  10 , while portion “B” can be entirely separated from package  10 . Exposed surfaces  900  at the separation portions may have irregular shapes and sizes, which can vary based on the material composition. As shown, outer layer  200  is separated into three portions creating a space between “A” and C”, corresponding to the length of center portion  280 H in the y-direction, due to center portion  280 H defined by second and third kiss-cut paths  280 B,  280 C. 
     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 path  280 A and second kiss-cut path  280 B), is a factor for allowing the subtle and ideal internal separation (e.g., lateral tearing) of outer layer  200  as 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 layer  200 . As described above, the kiss-cuts terminate within the material of outer layer  200 , 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 layer  200  will fail creating a tear between the buried ends of the kiss cuts (see, e.g.,  FIGS.  2 ,  6 A, and  7 B ), thereby effecting the separation of portions of outer layer  200  to allow its associated packaging  10  to be opened, and providing lateral tear surfaces  900  that 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 path  280 A and second kiss-cut path  280 B may be between in a range of, e.g., 2 mm-6 mm, while the distance between second kiss-cut path  280 B and third kiss-cut path  280 C may be in a range of, e.g., 1 mm-4 mm (e.g., 1 mm-2 mm. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  2 ,  6 A and  6 B , in some embodiments, outer layer  200  may have kiss-cutting applied thereon to form first kiss-cut path  280 A on upper surface  20  of outer layer  200  between hanging panel  240  and tear-away panel  260 . Tear-away panel  260  can further include one or more second kiss-cut paths  280 B,  280 C on lower surface  30  that is opposite to first kiss-cut path  280 A. First and second kiss-cut paths  280 A and  280 B may extend parallel to each other on the opposite sides of hang tab assembly  100 . In some embodiments, second and third kiss-cut paths  280 B,  280 C can form full-thickness center portion  280 H bounded by two kiss-cut paths  280 B,  280 C. As will be described in more detail, center portion  280 H is not directly affixed to a package  10  to which hang tab assembly  100  is attached, but can be completely removed to separate outer layer  200  into two portions not only vertically but also laterally. 
     In some embodiments, second and third kiss-cut paths  280 B,  280 C may be offset from first kiss-cut path  280 A in the y-direction to allow the tearing of outer layer  200  into two portions. As described above, the distance between first kiss-cut path  280 A and second kiss-cut path  280 B 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 layer  200  into two layers by a user&#39;s manipulation. Similarly, the distance between second kiss-cut path  280 B and third kiss-cut path  280 C in the y-direction may be between, e.g., 1 mm and 4 mm, or more preferably 2.5 mm. 
     In addition, hang tab assembly  100  may include one or more grip portions  260 A at an end of tear-away panel  260  in the longitudinal direction for a user to grip and pull away tear-away panel  260 . Due to first, second, and third kiss-cut paths  280 A,  280 B,  280 C, portions of tear-away panel  260  can be laterally torn into two layers by a pulling force as shown in  FIG.  2    (see also  FIG.  7 B ) exposing internal exposed surfaces  900  thereon. Hang tab assembly  100  in some embodiments may have only one grip portion  260 A at one end or may have two grip portions  260 A to tear from either direction per user&#39;s preference (e.g., left to right or right to left). When one or more grip portions  260 A are provided, second and third kiss-cut paths  280 B,  280 C can respectively curve outwards and extend to first kiss-cut path  280 A and outer edge of tear-away panel  260 , respectively, forming a first grip portion kiss-cut path  280 B- 1  and a second grip portion kiss-cut path  280 C- 1  at each grip portion  260 A. 
     For instance, with reference to  FIGS.  2  and  7 B , when a user grip one of the grip portions  260 A and pulls in one direction, a tear-away portion  262  of tear-away panel  260  may be torn away and separated from hanging panel  240  between first kiss-cut path  280 A and second kiss-cut path  280 B. Simultaneously, tear-away panel  260  can be further separated between third kiss-cut path  280 C and an edge of tear-away panel  260 . That is, as tear-away panel  260  is torn away by pulling grip portion  260 A, tear-away panel  260  is torn apart exposing inside layers while a full-thickness portion  280 H of tear-away portion  262  can be entirely torn away due to second and third kiss-cut paths  280 B,  280 C and first adhesive  500  fixing a non-tom away portion of tear-away panel  260  (e.g., tamper-evident portion  280 F) to package  10 . In some embodiments, when the grip portion  260 A is pulled, first and second grip portion kiss-cut paths  280 B- 1 ,  280 C- 1  allow the grip portion  260 A to more easily separate and initiate the tearing of the tear-away panel  260 . 
     As shown, tear-away panel  260  is firstly separated into two partial layers in the z-direction by exposing peripheral portions  280 D and  280 E having exposed surfaces  900  as partial thickness tom away portions of tear-away panel  260  and tamper-evident portions  280 F and  280 G as partial-thickness non-torn away portions of tear-away panel  260 , respectively facing torn-away peripheral portions  280 D and  280 E. Center portion  280 H, together with peripheral portions  280 D and  280 E may form a T-shape cross section (see  FIGS.  7 B,  7 C ). 
     In some embodiments, a lower surface of remaining-on tamper-evident portion  280 F (e.g., lower surface  30  of tear-away panel  260 ) can be securely attached to package or item  10  to which hang tab assembly  100  is affixed by first adhesive  500 . On the other hand, remaining-on tamper-evident portion  280 G is not directly attached or adhered to the same panel of package  10  (though may be indirectly adhered to another portion of package  10  that is movable with respect to the portion to which tamper-evident portion  280 G is adhered, as explained elsewhere herein), thus allowing opening of package  10  when the torn-away layer of the tear-away panel  260  is completely removed. 
     As described above, the kiss-cut paths formed on tear-away panel  260  can create separation within tear-away panel  260 , thus providing clear visual evidence that an adhered package  10  has been opened or otherwise tampered with when tear-away panel  260  is disturbed via unsealing (e.g., surfaces on remaining-on portions  280 F and  280 G being exposed as shown  FIG.  2   ) when it is torn open by removing teat-away portion  262 . 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.  8    illustrates hang tab assembly  100  affixed to package  10  in a use configuration, according to some embodiments.  FIG.  8    is schematic illustrations, and thicknesses and sizes shown are exaggerated for clarify, of description. In this use configuration, first adhesive  500  of outer layer  200  may be affixed to an exterior surface  12   a  of a package side wall  12  of package  10 , and inner layer  300  may be affixed to tuck flap  14   a  of a package top  14  of package  10 . When so affixed, relative movement of outer layer  200  and inner layer  300  may be limited, and may in turn limit relative movement of package top  14  and package side wall  12 , thereby preventing opening of package top  14  to safely keep package  10  in a sealed configuration. 
     When in the use configuration sealing package  10 , openings (e.g., the first, second and third openings  220 ,  320 , and  420  and openings of first and second adhesives  500  and  600 ) of hang tab assembly  100  may be positioned over a display hook or other support to hang tab assembly  100  (and package  10 ) therefrom. In this way, package  10  can be displayed (e.g., for purchase in a retail environment) while remaining sealed to protect its contents from tampering. Further, since tuck flap  14   a  may be inserted within package side wall  12  in the use configuration, it can be hidden from view. In other words, hang tab assembly  100  in some embodiments may not be attached to a top surface of package  10  (e.g., an upper surface  14   b ), thereby minimizing the visual effect of hang tab assembly  100  on package  10 . In other embodiments, hang tab assembly  100  may be further affixed to top surface of package  10  to provide further stability and improved adherence. 
     In some embodiments, support layer  400  is entirely adhered between outer layer  200  and inner layer  300  by adhesives (e.g., third and fourth adhesives  700 ,  800 ). Support layer  400  may have a thickness that is substantially equal to that of side wall  12  (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  8   ). This spacing formed between outer layer  200  and inner layer  300  can improve the sturdiness and durability of hang tab assembly  100  when affixed to package  10  in a vertical position by adhering only portions of outer layer  200  and inner layer  300  to package  10  (e.g., portions at first and second adhesives  500 ,  600 ) without straining on other layers (e.g., outer layer  200 , inner layer  300 ) to accommodate the thickness of wall  12 . 
       FIG.  9    is a flow chart showing an application of hang tab assembly  100 , and  FIGS.  10 A and  10 B  illustrate affixing hang tab assembly  100  to a package  10  for use, by adhering to tuck flap  14   a  and then adhering to side wall  12  of package  10 . To use hang tab assembly  100 , person may, for example, place package  10  into fixture to hold package  10  securely in place at step S 1 . However, the use of fixture in this step may be an option per the user&#39;s preference or availability. Then, the person or user can place a locate fixture at step S 2 , wherein the locate fixture has a shape that corresponds to outer layer  200 . Similar to step S 1 , step S 2  of using the locate fixture can be optional. 
     Once the location of hang tab assembly  100  is determined, the user can tear or peel off second removable protective liner  620  to expose second adhesive  800  at step S 3 . The person may align and affix hang tab assembly  100  to tuck flap  14   a  of package top  14  using second adhesive  600  at step S 4  (see  FIG.  10 A ), and remove locate fixture at step S 5  if locate fixture is used. That is, inner layer  300  is firstly attached to tuck flap  14   a  of package  10 . 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 assembly  100  to package  10  at step S 6 . 
     Once hang tab assembly  100 , more specifically, inner layer  300 , is affixed to package  10 , the fixture used in step S 1  can be removed and a sled, which can keep package  10  in shape, can be placed into package  10  as optional at step S 7 , and package  10  can be closed by tucking in tuck flap  14   a  inside (e.g., inner side of tuck flap  14   a ) package  10  while leaving outer layer  200  out at step S 8 . At step S 7 , an item to be packaged can be inserted in package  10  with the sled before closing package  10  (such item could be inserted at any other time before package  10  is sealed). Then, package  10  can be optionally placed back into the fixture used in step S 1  at step S 9 . The person can tear off first removable protective liner  520  to expose third adhesive  700  attached on tear-away panel  260  of outer layer  200  as shown in step S 10  (see  FIG.  10 B ), and finally press down such that a portion (a portion between an outer edge and third kiss-cut path  280 C) of tear-away panel  260  as described above to package side wall  12  of package  10  to securely seal package  10 . The hang tab according to various embodiments is now securely attached to the package and ready for use. 
     In addition,  FIG.  1    illustrates grip portion  260 A being directed to tear from the left to right (i.e., in the x-direction of  FIG.  3   ); however, this is not limited thereto such that the indicia (e.g., arrow mark  40 ) can be on the other grip portion or on both grip portions  260 A. In some embodiments, hang tab assembly  100  may have only one grip portion  260 A as noted above, or two grip portions  260 A at both sides with one arrow mark  40  on one of two grip portions  260 A or arrow mark  40  on each grip portion  260 A. Hang tab assembly  100  may 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 package  10 , a person may grasp any one of grip portions  260 A as a part of tear-away panel  260  and pull from the left to right or right to left with sufficient force to cause tear-away panel  260  to break into two layers to tear away at kiss-cut paths, as described above and shown, e.g., in  FIG.  2   , while keeping a portion of tear-away panel  260  attached on package  10  (e.g., remaining-on tamper-evident portion  280 F). Then, a person may pull upward on hanging panel  240  to open package  10  leaving exposed surfaces  900  on remaining-on tamper-evident portions  280 F and  280 G as well as torn-away peripheral portions  280 D,  280 E as evidence of the unsealing of tear-away panel  260 . 
     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.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20220825
Publication Date: 20250204
Grant Date: 20250204
Priority Date: 20220825
Inventors: Hodrius, Manuel
MCCARREN, JONATHAN M.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "B65D25/22", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B65D51/242", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B65D2401/05", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G09F3/0341", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B65D2401/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B65D51/242", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B65D51/248", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B65D25/22", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B65D2401/05", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B65D51/242", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B65D25/22", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B65D51/248", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 90001059