Apparatus and method for configuring and opening product packaging

Abstract

An apparatus and method for configuring product packaging and removal of the packaging from a product is disclosed. The labeled product packaging includes a shrink wrap packaging adapted for sealing around a product. A predefined point of failure is configured in the packaging and includes a failure mode for when pulled in at least one direction. A label is sealed to the packaging and adhered to the predefined point of failure in covering relation over the predefined point of failure. Lifting the label from the packaging tears open the packaging starting at the predefined point of failure so the product can be removed from the packaging.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for removing packaging from a product comprising:
 providing a product in a packaging having a label covering a predefined failure point in the packaging;   lifting the label from the packaging to tear open the packaging starting at the predefined failure point; and   separating the packaging from the product.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the lifting step includes separating a portion of the label from packaging around a portion of the predefined failure point without tearing open the packaging. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein lifting in one direction prevents tearing of the predefined failure point in the packaging thereby permitting reapplication of the label and preservation of the packaging. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the packaging is shrink wrap. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the predefined failure point comprises a cut. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the cut is in the shape of:
 a. an “X”; 
 b. a crescent; or 
 c. a “V”. 
 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the predefined failure point comprises a point of weakening in the product packaging. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the label includes a first adhesive on an outer portion and a second adhesive on an inner portion, the second adhesive having greater bonding characteristic than the first adhesive. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising keeping a portion of the packaging at the predefined failure point intact with the label during separation. 
     
     
         10 . A method for removing packaging from a block of solid detergent comprising:
 providing a block of solid detergent sealed in a shrink wrap packaging;   creating a predefined point of failure in the packaging;   applying a label to the packaging in covering relation over the predefined point of failure;   lifting the label from the packaging to tear open the packaging starting at the predefined point of failure; and   separating the block from the packaging for use.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10  further comprising laser cutting the predefined point of failure into the packaging. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10  further comprising forming the predefined point of failure in the packaging using a heating element. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the label includes an embedded foil for creating the predefined point of failure after the label is applied to the packaging. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13  further comprising exposing the embedded foil to magnetic energy to create the predefined point of failure in the packaging while the label is attached to the packaging. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 10  further comprising lifting the label in one direction to tear open the packaging at the predefined point of failure or lifting the label in another direction to reapply the label to the packaging without tearing open the packaging at the predefined point of failure. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the label seals around the predefined point of failure in the packaging to keep the packaging from opening prematurely. 
     
     
         17 . Labeled product packaging comprising:
 shrink wrap packaging adapted for sealing around a product;   a predefined point of failure in the packaging having a failure mode for when pulled in at least one direction away from the packaging; and   a label in covering relation over the predefined point of failure, the label being sealed to the packaging and adhered to the predefined failure point.   
     
     
         18 . The packaging of  claim 17  wherein the product comprises a block of solid detergent. 
     
     
         19 . The packaging of  claim 17  wherein the predefined point of failure comprises a cut in through the packaging in the shape of:
 a. an “X”; 
 b. a crescent; or 
 c. a “V”. 
 
     
     
         20 . The packaging of  claim 17  wherein the label includes an embedded foil for creating the predefined point of failure after the label is applied to the packaging by exposing the embedded foil to magnetic energy. 
     
     
         21 . The packaging of  claim 17  wherein the label includes a first adhesive on an outer portion and a second adhesive on an inner portion, the second adhesive having greater bonding characteristic than the first adhesive to remain adhered to the predefined point of failure. 
     
     
         22 . The packaging of  claim 21  wherein the first adhesive seals against the product packaging and the second adhesive adheres to the predefined point of failure. 
     
     
         23 . The packaging of  claim 17  wherein the label is lifted in a first direction to separate the label from the packaging without tearing the predefined point of failure. 
     
     
         24 . The packaging of  claim 23  wherein the label is lifted a second direction to tear the packaging starting at the predefined point of failure.