Films, packaging and methods for making them

Abstract

The invention relates to a flexible polymeric film for enveloping a container comprising: a tear path; and a tear tab extending from the outer surface of the film; wherein the tear path comprises at least one fault line arranged to facilitate tearing of the film in one direction when the tear tab is pulled in a direction generally perpendicular to the container; wherein the at least one fault line comprises an embossed pattern being positioned to enhance the sound generated by the tearing of the at least one fault line.

1 - 16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . A flexible thermoplastic polymeric film for enveloping a container comprising:
 a tear path; and   a tear tab extending from the outer surface of the film;   wherein the tear path comprises at least one fault line arranged to facilitate tearing of the film in one direction when the tear tab is pulled in a direction generally perpendicular to the container;   wherein said at least one fault line comprises an embossed pattern being convergent with the tear path and/or the at least one fault line to enhance the sound generated by the tearing of the at least one fault line, and in that the embossed pattern comprises one or more regions of thinning.   
     
     
         18 . A film according to  claim 17 , wherein the gauge of the film in the region of thinning is at least about 1% lower than the rest of the film. 
     
     
         19 . A film according to  claim 17 , wherein the gauge of the film in the region of thinning is at least about 2% lower than the rest of the film. 
     
     
         20 . A film according to  claim 17 , wherein the gauge of the film in the region of thinning is at least about 5% lower than the rest of the film. 
     
     
         21 . A film according to  claim 17 , wherein the gauge of the film in the region of thinning is at least about 10% lower than the rest of the film. 
     
     
         22 . A film according to  claim 17 , wherein the region of thinning is created by means of ultrasonic vibration, laser etching, deformation or ablation, or heat treatment. 
     
     
         23 . A film according to  claim 17 , wherein the embossed pattern is orientated generally in the direction of the tear path, as well as being convergent therewith. 
     
     
         24 . A film according to  claim 17 , wherein the tear tab comprises a first end of a tear tape located on the inner surface of the film and extending along the length of the tear path adjacent to the at least one fault line. 
     
     
         25 . A film according to  claim 17 , wherein the tear tab comprises a first end of a tear strip, said tear strip being defined by a first fault line and a second fault line. 
     
     
         26 . A film according to  claim 17 , wherein the embossed pattern is mirrored along the at least one fault line and/or along the tear path. 
     
     
         27 . A film according to  claim 17 , wherein the embossed pattern is a repetitive pattern along the length of the tear path. 
     
     
         28 . A film according to  claim 17 , wherein the embossed pattern is a herringbone pattern. 
     
     
         29 . A film according to  claim 17 , wherein the tear path extends the entire length of the film. 
     
     
         30 . A packaging for a container, comprising a flexible thermoplastic polymeric film comprising:
 a tear path; and   a tear tab extending from the outer surface of the film;   wherein the tear path comprises at least one fault line arranged to facilitate tearing of the film in one direction when the tear tab is pulled in a direction generally perpendicular to a side of the package;   characterized in that the at least one fault line comprises an embossed pattern being convergent with the tear path and/or the at least one fault line to enhance the sound generated by the tearing of the at least one fault line, and in that the embossed pattern comprises one or more regions of thinning.   
     
     
         31 . The packaging of  claim 30 , wherein the gauge of the film in the region of thinning is at least about 2% lower than the rest of the film. 
     
     
         32 . The packaging of  claim 31 , wherein the gauge of the film in the region of thinning is at least about 10% lower than the rest of the film. 
     
     
         33 . The packaging of  claim 30 , wherein the tear tab comprises a first end of a tear strip, said tear strip being defined by a first fault line and a second fault line. 
     
     
         34 . A packaged container, comprising:
 a container; and   a flexible thermoplastic polymeric film, comprising:
 a tear path; and 
 a tear tab extending from the outer surface of the film; 
   wherein the tear path comprises at least one fault line arranged to facilitate tearing of the film in one direction when the tear tab is pulled in a direction generally perpendicular to the container;   wherein said at least one fault line comprises an embossed pattern being convergent with the tear path and/or the at least one fault line to enhance the sound generated by the tearing of the at least one fault line, and in that the embossed pattern comprises one or more regions of thinning.   
     
     
         35 . The packaging of  claim 34 , wherein the gauge of the film in the region of thinning is at least about 2% lower than the rest of the film. 
     
     
         36 . The packaging of  claim 34 , wherein the gauge of the film in the region of thinning is at least about 10% lower than the rest of the film.