Resealable package with tamper-evident structure and method for making same

Abstract

A resealable package with a tamper-evident structure and methods for making the same are disclosed. The resealable package includes a front panel joined at respective opposite side edges to a rear panel to form a package having an exterior; a reclosable fastener assembly joined to the exterior of the package and including a first fastening member and a second fastening member respectively joined to the rear panel and the front panel, so that at least one marginal portion of the rear panel can be folded over in the direction of said front panel and the first fastening member can be releasably connected to the second fastening member; and a tamper-evident structure joined to the front panel and a folded over marginal portion of the rear panel.

1 . A resealable package comprising:
 a front panel;   a rear panel joined at respective opposite side edges thereof to said front panel to form a package having an exterior;   a reclosable fastener assembly joined to the exterior of said package, said fastener assembly comprising a first fastening member and a second fastening member respectively joined to said rear panel and said front panel, so that at least one marginal portion of said rear panel can be folded in the direction of said front panel, and said first fastening member can be releasably connected to said second fastening member; and   a tamper-evident structure joined to said front panel and said at least one folded over marginal portion of said rear panel.   
   
   
       2 . The resealable package of  claim 1 , wherein said tamper-evident structure comprises a tear strip underlying an adhesive tape. 
   
   
       3 . The resealable package of  claim 1 , wherein said first and second fastening members comprise at least one of cooperating profiles, a male strip intersecting with a female groove, a slider tab, tabs affixed to one end of the bag, a closure strip, and a zipper. 
   
   
       4 . The resealable package of  claim 1 , wherein said first and second fastening members are releasably connected by folding over two marginal portions of said rear panel. 
   
   
       5 . The resealable package of  claim 1 , wherein said tamper-evident structure extends transversely across a substantial portion of said package and said tear strip comprises at least one extension protruding beyond an end of said adhesive tape. 
   
   
       6 . The resealable package of  claim 1 , wherein said tamper-evident structure secures a releasable connection between said first and second fastening members after said first and second fastening members are initially releasably connected. 
   
   
       7 . The resealable package of  claim 1 , wherein said package comprises a composite bag comprising a woven mesh tube; a layer of polylaminate on both sides of said tube; and a layer of solid plastic film adhered to both sides of said tube. 
   
   
       8 . A reclosable package comprising:
 a front panel and a rear panel joined at respective opposite side edges thereof to said front panel to form a package having an exterior, wherein a top edge of said joined front and rear panels defines an opening;   a reclosable fastener assembly joined to the exterior of said package, said fastener assembly comprising a first fastening member and a second fastening member respectively joined to said rear panel and said front panel, wherein a first marginal portion of said rear panel can be folded in the direction of said front panel to seal said opening, and a second marginal portion of said rear panel can be folded in the direction of said front panel so that said first fastening member is releasably connected with said second fastening member; and   a tamper-evident structure comprising a tear strip underlying an adhesive tape, said tamper-evident structure extending transversely across a substantial portion of said package and joined to said front panel and said second folded over marginal portion of said rear panel.   
   
   
       9 . The reclosable package of  claim 8 , wherein said tamper-evident structure is used to initially seal said package. 
   
   
       10 . The reclosable package of  claim 8 , wherein said reclosable fastener assembly comprises matable extruded profiles. 
   
   
       11 . The reclosable package of  claim 8 , wherein said tear strip comprises at least one extension protruding beyond a side edge of said front panel and beyond an end of said adhesive tape. 
   
   
       12 . The reclosable package of  claim 11 , wherein said tamper-evident structure can be split by grasping and pulling said tear strip transversely across said package. 
   
   
       13 . The reclosable package of  claim 8 , wherein at least one of printing or reverse printing of at least one of text and graphics is applied to at least one of said tear strip and said adhesive tape. 
   
   
       14 . The reclosable package of  claim 8 , wherein said tear strip is accessible via a notch in said adhesive tape. 
   
   
       15 . The reclosable package of  claim 8 , wherein said package comprises: (a) a layer of polymeric solid film and (b) a layer of polymeric mesh woven fabric, wherein a tie resin material added during manufacture of said composite bag adheres (a) to (b). 
   
   
       16 . A method for manufacturing a resealable package which comprises:
 (a) providing a packaging substrate comprising a front panel and a rear panel and a top edge defining an opening;   (b) folding at least one first marginal portion of said rear panel in the direction of said front panel so as to seal said opening;   (c) folding a second marginal portion of said rear panel in the direction of said front panel;   (d) joining a reclosable fastener assembly to said front panel and said first marginal portion; and   (e) joining a tamper-evident structure comprising a tear strip and an adhesive tape to said front panel and said second marginal portion.   
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein said reclosable fastener assembly comprises a first fastening member releasably connectable to a second fastening member and said second fastening member is joined to said front panel, with said first fastening member being joined to said at least one first marginal portion when said second marginal portion is folded in the direction of said front panel. 
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein said reclosable fastener assembly comprises a first fastening member releasably connectable to a second fastening member and said second fastening member is joined to said front panel, with said first fastening member being joined to said at least one first marginal portion before said second marginal portion is folded in the direction of said front panel. 
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising after step (d), applying pressure over said second marginal portion to secure said first fastening member to said at least one first marginal portion and to secure said second fastening member to said front panel. 
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein, step (e) comprises (i) applying said tear strip transversely across said front panel where said second marginal portion meets said front panel; (ii) cutting said tear strip such that said tear strip extends beyond a side edge of said front panel; (iii) applying said adhesive tape transversely across said front panel over said tear strip such that said adhesive tape adheres to said front panel and to said second marginal portion; and (iv) cutting said adhesive tape such that said adhesive tape does not extend beyond an end of said tear strip extending beyond said side edge of said front panel. 
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein said reclosable fastener assembly comprises a first fastening member pre-mated to a second fastening member, with said reclosable fastener assembly being first joined to said front panel, and later joined to said first marginal portion. 
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein said reclosable fastener assembly comprises a first fastening member pre-mated to a second fastening member, with said reclosable fastener assembly being first joined to said first marginal portion, and later joined to said front panel.