Bandolier Format Packaging

Abstract

A product and method for producing a string of individual sealed, filled packages separated by perforations. A string of separate packages optionally may be enclosed in a cardboard or other container designed to sit in a pantry or other location for dispensing of individual units. Perforations in the packaging film between separate packages provide a tear point to aid in separating one package from the next. There are several advantages to this format including easy placement of the string of packages into a carton for shipping or dispensing, and the ability to hang a string of packages in locations without the need to attach the packages to a backing strip. The perforations between packages facilitate the packaging and transportation of the entire string or bandolier, and facilitate the removal and use of a separate package.

1 - 3 . (canceled) 
   
   
       4 . A string of sealed food packages made of a packing material using a vertical form, fill and seal, machine comprising:
 (a) a first food package having a first and second transverse seal;   (b) a second food package having a first and second transverse seal; and,   (c) a transverse line of perforations between said second transverse seal of said first food package and said first transverse seal of said second food package;   wherein said string of sealed food packages is packaged in a package dispenser, further wherein said dispenser has a closeable dispensing opening, and further wherein said dispenser holds two or more: sealed food packages.   
   
   
       5 . The string of sealed food packages of  claim 4  wherein said packing material is a plastic packaging film. 
   
   
       6 . The string of sealed food packages of  claim 4  wherein said packages do not comprise horizontal flat seals, 
   
   
       7 . The string of sealed food packages of  claim 4  wherein said food packages can stand upright without external support. 
   
   
       8 . The string of sealed food packages of  claim 4  comprising three or more connected packages. 
   
   
       9 . The string of sealed food packages-of  claim 8  wherein said three or more connected-bags are positioned to enable said packages to stand upright without external support. 
   
   
       10 . The string of sealed food packages of  claim 4  wherein at least one of said food packages further comprises a score line located, near the top of said package to guide tears. 
   
   
       11 . The string of sealed food packages of  claim 10  further comprising pre-cut slits located near the top of said package. 
   
   
       12 . The string of sealed food packages of  claim 4  wherein said dispenser further comprises an opening with a re-closeable flap. 
   
   
       13 . The string of sealed food packages of  claim 12  wherein said opening is separate and distinct from said closeable dispensing opening, 
   
   
       14 . The string of sealed food packages of  claim 4  wherein said first and said second food packages comprise graphics, said graphics being properly viewable when said transverse seals are vertically oriented. 
   
   
       15 . The string of sealed food packages of  claim 14  wherein said graphics are displayed continuously across both packages such that both packages roust be viewed together to properly view said graphics. 
   
   
       16 . The string of sealed food packages of  claim 14  wherein said graphics comprise at least one image which extends from said first transverse seal of said first food package to said second transverse seal of said second food package.