Flexible packaging structure

Abstract

The invention comprises a packaging structure which hermetically encloses a product prior to initial opening. The packaging structure comprises a line of weakness which defines a removable portion and a marginal region circumscribing the removable portion. A flap having a central region and a peripheral region is affixed to the packaging structure. At least a portion of the central region of the flap is affixed to the packaging structure via permanent adhesive and is aligned with the removable portion of the packaging structure. The peripheral region of the flap is affixed to the packaging structure via peelable adhesive and is aligned with the marginal region of the packaging structure.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A package comprising:
 a packaging structure which hermetically encloses a product prior to initial opening, the packaging structure comprising a line of weakness which defines a removable portion and a marginal region circumscribing the removable portion;   an adhesive layer comprising permanent adhesive and peelable adhesive; and   a flap affixed to the packaging structure via the adhesive layer, wherein:
 the flap comprises a central region and a peripheral region; 
 at least a portion of the central region of the flap is affixed to the packaging structure via the permanent adhesive and is aligned with the removable portion of the packaging structure; and 
 the peripheral region of the flap is affixed to the packaging structure via the peelable adhesive and is aligned with the marginal region of the packaging structure. 
   
     
     
         2 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein the peelable adhesive is a resealable adhesive. 
     
     
         3 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein the peelable adhesive comprises a pressure sensitive adhesive. 
     
     
         4 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein the line of weakness extends into, but not through the packaging structure. 
     
     
         5 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein the line of weakness extends into, but not through the adhesive layer. 
     
     
         6 . The package of  claim 1 , additionally comprising a sealant layer disposed between the packaging structure and the adhesive layer. 
     
     
         7 . The package of  claim 6 , wherein the line of weakness extends into, but not through the sealant layer. 
     
     
         8 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein the line of weakness is rupturable. 
     
     
         9 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein the line of weakness comprises a portion of the packaging structure which is stressed or damaged. 
     
     
         10 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein the line of weakness is formed via electron-beam treatment. 
     
     
         11 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein the line of weakness does not extend through the packaging structure. 
     
     
         12 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein the line of weakness defines a closed shape. 
     
     
         13 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein when the package is in an opened configuration, the peripheral region of the flap releases from the marginal region of the packaging structure and the removable portion of the packaging structure remains affixed to the central region of the flap as the flap is lifted out of the plane of the packaging structure. 
     
     
         14 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein when the package is in a reclosed configuration, the peripheral region of the flap readheres to the marginal region of the packaging structure. 
     
     
         15 . A package comprising:
 a packaging structure which hermetically encloses a product prior to initial opening, the packaging structure comprising a line of weakness which defines a removable portion and a marginal region circumscribing the removable portion;   an adhesive layer comprising patterned permanent adhesive and patterned resealable adhesive; and   a flap affixed to the packaging structure via the adhesive layer, wherein:
 the flap comprises a central region and a peripheral region; 
 at least a portion of the central region of the flap is affixed to the packaging structure via the permanent adhesive and extends about the removable portion of the packaging structure; and 
 the peripheral region of the flap is affixed to the packaging structure via the peelable adhesive and extends about the marginal region of the packaging structure. 
   
     
     
         16 . The package of  claim 12 , wherein the line of weakness is rupturable. 
     
     
         17 . The package of  claim 12 , wherein when the package is in an opened configuration, the peripheral region of the flap releases from the marginal region of the packaging structure and the removable portion of the packaging structure remains affixed to the central region of the flap as the flap is lifted out of the plane of the packaging structure. 
     
     
         18 . The package of  claim 12 , wherein when the package is in a reclosed configuration, the peripheral region of the flap readheres to the marginal region of the packaging structure. 
     
     
         19 . A package comprising:
 a packaging structure which hermetically encloses a product prior to initial opening, the packaging structure comprising a line of weakness which defines a removable portion and a marginal region circumscribing the removable portion;   an adhesive layer comprising patterned permanent adhesive and pressure sensitive adhesive; and   a flap affixed to the packaging structure via the adhesive layer, wherein:
 the flap comprises a central region and a peripheral region; 
 at least a portion of the central region of the flap is affixed to the packaging structure via the permanent adhesive and is aligned with the removable portion of the packaging structure; and 
 the peripheral region of the flap is affixed to the packaging structure via the peelable adhesive and is aligned with the marginal region of the packaging structure. 
   
     
     
         20 . The package of  claim 16 , wherein the line of weakness is rupturable. 
     
     
         21 . The package of  claim 16 , wherein when the package is in an opened configuration, the peripheral region of the flap releases from the marginal region of the packaging structure and the central region of the flap remains affixed to the removable portion of the packaging structure. 
     
     
         22 . The package of  claim 16 , wherein when the package is in a reclosed configuration, the peripheral region of the flap readheres to the marginal region of the packaging structure.